Book excerpt: From the hardy moose of Maine's northeastern forests, westward to the spectacular humpback whale of the Hawaiian offshore waters, our state's faunal or animal symbols are special and represent America's rich geographic and biological diversity. Mammals, birds, fish, insects, shells, crustaceans, reptiles and amphibians have been officially adopted by the fifty state legislatures and four territorial governments to symbolically recognize their proud natural heritage. Beginning in the 1920s, many of the state animals were chosen by dedicated campaigning and the popular vote of school children while others were elected with backing from conservation organizations, animal interest groups and concerned legislators. The reasons are many: native origins, uniqueness, emulative qualities, tribute to individuals or groups, service to humankind, economic significance, rare and endangered and threat of extinction. In this reference book, over 350 state faunal symbols are presented with a brief informative text that highlights the adoptive legislation and their natural and social history. The color photo montages add visual appeal.