List of Common Taxidermy Animals
Taxidermy is the art of preserving an animal in its original, living form. Hunters proudly display taxidermy trophies. Museums display taxidermies for observational and research purposes. An experienced taxidermist can create a mount from almost any animal with a spinal column and supporting bone structure (vertebrate), including reptiles, mammals and fish.
Certain taxidermy specimens are more common than others. Commonality varies by factors such as geographic region. For example, hunters in Florida are exposed to hogs, deer and quail, whereas hunters in the western states are exposed to buffalo, moose and mule deer. Local taxidermists receive many animals during hunting season. Some species are usually found only in museums and similar institutions or vintage, private collections because they are no longer widely hunted.
Large Animals
- Alligator
- Antelope
- Baboon
- Bear
- Bison
- Boar
- Buffalo
- Bull
- Cape Buffalo
- Caribou
- Cheetah
- Cougar
- Cow
- Elephant
- Elk
- Gazelle
- Giraffe
- Goat
- Gorilla
- Hippo
- Hog
- Horse
- Ibex
- Impala
- Jaguar
- Leopard
- Lion
- Monkey
- Moose
- Musk ox
- Panther
- Ram
- Rhino
- Sheep
- Tiger
- Warthog
- Water Buck
- Wildebeest
- Zebra
Small Animals
- Armadillo
- Badger
- Bat
- Beaver
- Bobcat
- Cat
- Chipmunk
- Monkey
- Otter
- Opossum
- Platypus
- Porcupine
- Rabbit
- Raccoon
- Skunk
- Squirrel
- Tortoise
- Turtle
- Varieties of snakes, especially cobra
- Varieties of lizards
- Wolverine
Canines
- Coyote
- Dog
- Fox
- Hyena
- Wolf
Fish
- Bass
- Blue Gill
- Crappie
- Grouper, including Goliath
- Mackerel
- Marlin
- Piranha
- Salmon
- Sailfish
- Shark
- Snapper
- Swordfish
- Tarpon
- Tropical Fish
- Trout
- Tuna
Birds
- Chicken
- Dove
- Duck
- Grouse
- Hummingbirds
- Partridge
- Peacock
- Pheasant
- Quail
- Turkey
- Wood pecker
Rugs or Skins
Some pelts are used as skins or are backed with a textile for use as rugs. Rugs often have the head of the animal attached.
- Alligator
- Bear
- Buffalo
- Bovine
- Cow
- Deer
- Mountain Lion
- Snake
Novelty Animals
Taxidermy combinations of animals were popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. They could be found in circus sideshows, traveling shows, flea circuses and dime museums. They are still seen today in historical museums. Restaurants and shops with a campy design theme also use these taxidermy specimens.
- Dragon
- Gryphon or Griffin
- Hydra
- Jack-a-lope
- Mermaid
- Unicorn