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State Animal
The Desert Bighorn (or Nelson) Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) is smaller
than its Rocky Mountain cousin but has a wider spread of horns. The
bighorn is well-suited for
Nevada's mountainous desert country because it can survive for long
periods without water. The large rams stand about 4 1/2 feet tall and can
weigh as much as 175 pounds.
State Fish
The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Salmo clarki henshawi), a native trout found
in 14 of the state's 17 counties, is adapted to habitats ranging from high
mountain creeks and
alpine lakes to warm, intermittent lowland streams and alkaline lakes
where no other trout can live.
State Reptile
The Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), the largest reptile in the
Southwestern United States, lives in the extreme southern parts of Nevada.
Its hard, dome-shaped shell ranges from
tan to black in color. This reptile spends much of its life in underground
burrows to escape the harsh summer heat and winter cold. The desert
tortoise can live to be more than 70 years old.
State Flower
Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) grows abundantly in the deserts of the
Western United States. A member of the wormwood family, sagebrush is a
branching bush (1 to 12 feet high)
and grows in regions where other kinds of vegetation cannot subsist.
State Trees
The Single-Leaf Pinon (Pinus monophylla) is an aromatic pine tree with
short, stiff needles and gnarled branches. The tree grows in coarse, rocky
soils and rock crevices.
Though its normal height is about 15 feet, the single-leaf pinon can grow
as high as 50 feet under ideal conditions. The Bristlecone Pine (Pinus
aristata) shares the state tree designation.
The bristlecone pine is the oldest living thing on Earth, with some
specimens in Nevada more than 4,000 years of age.
State Precious Gemstone
Among the many gemstones found in Nevada, the Virgin Valley Black Fire
Opal is one of the most beautiful. The Virgin Valley in northern Nevada is
the only place in North America
where the Black Fire Opal is found in any significant quantity.
State Semi-precious Gemstone
Nevada Turquoise, sometimes called the "Jewel of the Desert," is found in
many parts of the state.
State Song
In 1933, the Legislature adopted "Home Means Nevada" as the official state
song. Mrs. Bertha Raffetto of Reno wrote the song to honor the state. The
refrain of the song goes as follows:
"Home means Nevada, Home means the hills, Home means the sage and the
pines. Out by the Truckee's silvery rills. Out where the sun always
shines. There is a land that I love the best,
Fairer than all I can see. Right in the heart of the golden west. Home
means Nevada to me."
State Metal
Silver (Chemical symbol: Ag)
State Colors
Silver and Blue
State Flag
On a cobalt blue background; in the upper left quarter is a five-pointed
silver star between two sprays of sagebrush crossed to form a half wreath;
across the top of the wreath is a
golden scroll with the words, in black letters, "Battle Born." The name
"Nevada" is beneath the star in gold letters. Design adopted March 26,
1929, revised in 1991.
State Seal
Adopted February 24, 1886. The seal has the words "The Great Seal of the
State of Nevada" around the outer edge. Within this, is a composite
picture showing the mining, agriculture,
industry and scenery of Nevada, under which is the state motto, "All For
Our Country." The seal's 26 stars symbolize the fact that Nevada was the
36th state to enter the Union.
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