History was made again in 1985 when the first state amphibian was adopted. Vermont's neighbor, New Hampshire, adopted the red-spotted newt. Most state flowers and birds were adopted for their beauty of songs. State trees are popular because of their beauty and practical value. A few state birds, several state mammals, and most state fishes were adopted because people like to hunt or catch them.
Some state symbols have great historical value, such as the grizzly bear on California's flag.
A few symbols have been chosen to publicize their endangered status or the environment. Few, if any, state herptiles have been adopted primarily for their beauty or practical value. The most historic North American reptiles are probably the rattlesnake and alligator. The alligator is also unusual for its commercial importance. Most have been promoted by school children.