The animal considered a symbol of the Pacific Northwest is Pacific salmon.

The Pacific salmon, particularly species like Chinook and Coho, plays a vital role in the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. These fish are not only crucial for the food web, supporting various wildlife such as bears, eagles, and seals, but they also hold significant cultural and economic importance for local communities. Salmon are central to the traditional diets and practices of many Indigenous peoples in the region, symbolizing resilience and the cycles of life. Their annual migrations from the ocean back to freshwater streams to spawn are a remarkable natural phenomenon, reflecting the interconnectedness of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Efforts to preserve salmon habitats are critical to maintaining biodiversity in the region.