14 Animals That Start With 'Y': From Yeti Crabs to Yorkie Poos

One of the rarest penguin species, this New Zealand penguin is known for its striking yellow eyes. These birds are excellent swimmers and can dive deep to catch fish. Unfortunately, habitat destruction and predators have made them an endangered species.

The yellow anaconda is a cousin to its larger cousin, the green anaconda. Native to South America, this dark brown and yellow-patterned serpent is an expert swimmer. It preys on fish, birds and small mammals, using its powerful coils to constrict its food.

Speedy, strong and sleek, the yellowfin tuna is one of the fastest fish in the ocean that can swim long distances in search of food. Found in warm waters across the globe, including Central and South America, this species is a favorite among commercial fishers.

This deep-sea creature, which was only discovered in 2005, is covered in hairy, bacteria-coated claws. It thrives in deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems deep in the ocean, surviving in extreme conditions where few other animals can.

One of the most colorful members of the weasel family, the yellow-throated marten sports a mix of dark brown, black and golden fur. This carnivorous mammal is found across Asia, including high-altitude forests, and its strong jaws and sharp teeth make it a formidable predator.

A native of Southern Africa, the yellow mongoose is a small but clever carnivore. These social animals live in colonies and are excellent at catching insects, small mammals and reptiles. With their bright yellowish fur and bushy tails, they’re easy to spot in the wild.

Found in Central Asia, the yellow ground squirrel is an expert digger. These rodents live in burrows and hibernate for long periods to survive harsh winters. Their light brown and yellow fur helps them blend into dry, grassy environments.

The Yorkshire terrier, or "Yorkie," is a beloved companion dog originating from Northern England. Small and brimming with personality, Yorkies were originally bred to catch rats in textile mills. Today, they are often pampered pets known for their long, silky coats, but they are also great at dog sports.

A mix between a Yorkshire terrier and a poodle, the Yorkie Poo is an energetic and affectionate breed. These small dogs inherit traits of both parent breeds, making them intelligent and low-shedding (meaning they're more hyoallergenic). They’re popular family pets across the world.

This tiny but formidable arachnid is found in homes and gardens across the world. The yellow sac spider is known for its painful bite, which can cause skin irritation. Unlike many other spiders, it actively hunts its prey rather than spinning webs to catch food.

A unique woodpecker species, the yellow-bellied sapsucker drills holes into tree bark to drink sap. Found in North America, these birds also eat insects attracted to the sticky substance. They make distinct drumming sounds that make them easy to identify in the wild.

This bat species is found in Western Africa, where it roosts in trees during the day. Unlike other bats, the yellow-winged bat has a distinctive golden-yellow tint on its wings. It primarily feeds on insects, using echolocation to navigate in the dark.

The yellow cobra is a venomous snake found in parts of Africa. Its bright coloration serves as a warning to potential predators. Like other cobras, it can raise its hood and hiss when threatened.

Native to Mexico and Central America, the Yucatan squirrel is a tree-dwelling rodent with dark brown fur and a bushy tail. These agile climbers are common in tropical forests, where they feed on fruits, nuts and seeds. Despite their shy nature, they play a crucial role in seed dispersal.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.