30 Superb Animals That Start With S

Earth has been estimated to have close to 9 million unique species of animals. Though some are cute and fuzzy, we don’t recommend keeping all of them as pets! Hang tight because we’re listing 30 animals that start with the letter S. Some are scary, some are slithery, and some are just so sweet that you might consider taking them home. Keep reading to learn exciting facts about these spectacular animals!

1. Saber-toothed Tiger 

Coming up first, have the saber-toothed tiger! This prehistoric cat-like animal originated almost 2 million years ago in the Americas. Although they may look similar to our feline friends, their long fangs and muscular bodies suggested they were far from being pals with humankind.

Learn More: Biology Dictionary

2. Saddleback Caterpillar

Next, we have the saddleback caterpillar. These creepy crawlers may look fuzzy on the outside, but those pointy hairs are venomous! Not only are they venomous, but some also suggest it has one of the most potent stings. 

Learn More: Butterflies And Moths

3. Saint Bernard

Does anybody remember Beethoven? At number three, we have the Saint Bernard dog, which originated in Switzerland. This loyal breed of dog is famous for being heroes and saving people trapped in the snow during blizzards.

Learn More: Great Pet Care

4. Salamander

Next is the salamander, which are amphibians that live across the globe, although they are often found in temperate regions. There are over 700 species of salamanders, and they range in various colors and sizes. Some can even grow over 6 feet!

Learn More: San Diego Zoo

5. Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko

Is that a crunchy leaf or a reptile? The satanic leaf-tailed gecko gets its name from its leaf-like appearance and can only be found in Madagascar. They look so unique that they are famously kept as pets, but conservationists fear that this is threatening their survival as a species.

Learn More: Animalia

6. Savanna Goat

Next, we have the savanna goat! These pure white, domesticated goats may look like your typical goat; however, they’re man-made! Ranchers love these animals because they can eat a variety of vegetation, breed quickly, and produce delicious meat.

Learn More: Namibian.com

7. Savu Python

At number 7, we have the savu python, which can only be found in the Lesser Sunda islands. Their ghostly white eyes have famously given them the nickname the white-eyed python. Because they have a small natural range, they are considered to be endangered.

Learn More: Who Zoo

8. Sea Anemone

Are they plants or animals? Sea anemones are incredibly important to our Earth’s oceans as they house certain kinds of fish, such as clownfish. Another interesting fact is that they can live almost as long as humans!

Learn More: Seattle Aquarium

9. Seahorse

Don’t be fooled by the name! The seahorse is a cute little fish galloping through the ocean with its dorsal fins. An interesting fact about the seahorse is that even though the female produces eggs, the male carries them in its stomach until they hatch.

Learn More: Ocean SI Edu

10. Senegal Parrot

The perfect pet! The Senegal parrot is a wonderfully calm bird originating from West Africa. They are known for developing a close attachment to their owners if housed as pets and can live for around 30 years.

Learn More: The Happy Chicken Coop

11. Shih Tzu

If you’ve ever been to a pet store, there’s no doubt you’ve seen one of these sweet companions. Shih tzus are well-loved pets from China that can live up to 18 years. One interesting fact about these dogs is that they were on the brink of extinction in the early 1900s, but are now a thriving breed.

Learn More: Dog Time

12. Short-faced Bear

The short-faced bear, also known as the bulldog bear, was a large animal that became extinct about 12,000 years ago. These enormous bears lived in North America and are said to have been the fastest bear in existence.

Learn More: The Revelator

13. Siamese Cat

Beautifully sleek with an ancient history, the siamese cat is a feline that’s existed since the 14th century. Their characteristics include their distinct cream and brownish-black markings, blue eyes, and loud meows.

Learn More: The Spruce Pets

14. Snow Crab

Next, is the snow crab, sometimes called the “queen crab.” They are often harvested in Canada, Alaska, and Japan, but only after the end of the molting season. This is because molting means they are soft and susceptible to death if harvested too early.

Learn More: Oceana

15. Snowshoe Cat

The snowshoe cat may have similarities to siamese cats with their markings and blue eyes, but they are unique in that they have white, boot-like markings on the ends of their paws.

Learn More: The Spruce Pets

16. Snowy Owl

At number 16, we have the snowy owl. This incredible Arctic bird is one of the largest owls on Earth and has a gorgeous white color. Although most owls are nocturnal, the snowy owl is diurnal- meaning they hunt any time of day. 

Learn More: FWS.gov

17. Sparrow

Sparrows are tiny birds that have been around for ages. They can be found all over the world, but they have a preference for areas with a sizable human population. They often make nests on man-made structures such as houses and buildings. These birds are also exceptionally social.

Learn More: One India

18. Spiny Bush Viper

Watch out! The spiny bush viper is a venomous snake originating from Central Africa. These slithery reptiles have bristle-like scales all over their bodies and can grow up to 29 inches in length. Though some argue that their venom isn’t very toxic, their bites have been fatal to humans, particularly in cases where their victims don’t have access to emergency medical care.

Learn More: Thought Co

19. Sponge

Like sea anemones, sponges play a vital role in marine ecosystems. They act as water filters for their habitats- helping neighboring coral reefs thrive. Another interesting fact is that they’ve been on fossil records dating back 600 million years!

Learn More: Sanibel Sea School

20. Springbok

At number 20, we have the springbok. These antelopes originating from Africa are slender, with a gorgeous tan coat with black and white markings. Not only are they skilled runners capable of sprinting 55 mph, but they also can jump about 12 feet in the air! 

Learn More: Just Fun Facts

21. Stag Beetle

The stag beetle is a giant insect that resides in woodlands and gardens in the United Kingdom. Surprisingly, the two “pinchers” on its head are antlers, and they use them to court mates. Although they may look dangerous, these gentle giants are relatively harmless to humans.

Learn More: Discover Wildlife

22. Stargazer Fish

With a name like a stargazer fish, you would expect these species would have a more majestic appearance. These hunters have eyes on the top of their heads and are masters of disguise. They blend into the ocean floor by burrowing deep and then quickly snatch any unfortunate prey that floats near them.

Learn More: Ocean Info

23. Stingray

These flat-bodied fish mostly live in our Earth’s oceans, but can also be found swimming in the rivers of South America. They often dwell in the bottoms of the waters they inhabit so you have to be careful not to step on them or else they may sting you with their dangerous spines.

Learn More: Awesome Ocean

24. Strawberry Hermit Crab

These little hermit crabs are just absolutely adorable! The strawberry hermit crab gets its name from its marvelous red color and spotted shell. They can be found in tropical and subtropical areas along the coastline. Although they have a long lifespan in the wild, they only live a maximum of 5 years as pets.

Learn More: Aquarium Breeder

25. Striped Hyena

At number 25, we have a striped, dog-like animal originating in Africa and Asia. The striped hyena gets its name from its black-striped fur. These scavengers often feed on dead animals left behind by top predators though they will sometimes kill other weak prey. They have also been mentioned in old Middle Eastern folklore and symbolize treachery.

Learn More: Animal Corner

26. Sugar Glider

These marsupials are just darling! Sugar gliders are omnivores in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. They’re called gliders because they have wing-like flaps attaching their front and hind legs, which allow them to glide from tree to tree.

Learn More: Animalia

27. Sulcata Tortoise

The endangered sulcata tortoise, also known as the African spurred tortoise, is the last living species of the centrochelys genus. They are also the largest tortoise in Africa and the third largest in the world. They make great pets if you’re comfortable with their large size!

Learn More: San Diego Zoo

28. Sun Bear

This bear species is the second-rarest in the world, with the giant panda taking first place. They can be found in Southeast Asia and have bright markings on their chests, which resemble an orange sunset. Unlike other bears, the sun bear is considered to be primarily docile.

Learn More: Animalia

29. Swan

This water-dwelling bird is relatively quick when flying, soaring at speeds close to 70 mph! Though they will appreciate it if you throw them some leftover bread, be careful as they are known to be quite aggressive during mating season.

Learn More: Animalia

30. Syrian Hamster

And finally, at number 30, we have the Syrian hamster! These little rodents are native to Syria and Turkey and are famously kept as pets. If you ever want to get one of these fluffy hamsters as a pet, keep in mind that they can be highly territorial and may attack other hamsters if you have them.

Learn More: The Spruce Pets