Everything is bigger in America; even its wild spaces are 'supersized', with forests that seem to go on forever and vast tracts of desert, canyons and mountains that stretch all the way to the horizon. Skyscraping American cities have a hold on many people's imaginations, but it's these natural landscapes, including the national parks, refuges and national monuments, that have called me back time and again over the years.
Today, around 12% of land in the USA is protected, alongside 26% of its oceans. Shortly after arriving in office, President Joe Biden committed to raising the percentage of conserved land and ocean to 30% by 2030. It's a welcome idea. These wild places are home to a fascinating array of creatures, including more than 400 species of mammal, around 800 bird species and about 1,100 types of fish.
People may say there's nothing more American than apple pie, but it's the bald eagle, a symbol of freedom and strength, that the Founding Fathers chose to represent the United States. Wolf, bison and bear are all part of the American psyche and culture, from film and literature to Native American folklore. And it's not just the West that's wild: remarkable species are found across all 50 states, from the 'gator-filled swamps of Florida to the prairies of South Dakota.
Here are 15 incredible creatures to spend time within the United States, including the best places to see them.
DO RIGHT BY WILDLIFE
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August September 2022 - Issue 222-Ausgabe von Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August September 2022 - Issue 222-Ausgabe von Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
