Guide
GTA 6 Animals: 170+ Species, Tracking Tiers and the Hunting Question
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Current status
- Current status: Species count and tracking tiers confirmed. Hunting not explicitly confirmed.
- Last verified: October 15, 2026.
- Sources checked: Game Informer cover reveal; Polygon; VGC.
- What is confirmed: 170+ species, the tracking tiers, and detailed fur simulation.
- What is not confirmed yet: hunting, pelts as an economy, and photography as a mechanic.
The numbers
Reported, from Rockstar via Game Informer:
- 170+ species in total (VGC, Polygon)
- 60+ types of birds and about 30 land mammals (VGC)
- Sea life: sharks, whales and jellyfish (VGC). Polygon adds manatees, along with land animals like monkeys, armadillos, bears and alligators.
Michael Kane, Rockstar's VP of dynamic art, told Game Informer: "Florida has a diverse animal ecosystem that we wanted to faithfully include across all the different biomes in Leonida — urban and rural environs, aquatic life both inland and ocean, and the wetland habitats like the swamps and Everglades" (via Polygon).
Detail and tracking
Reported (Polygon, via Game Informer):
- Each animal has its own movement behaviors. Some marine animals show iridescence and bioluminescence.
- Fur is fully simulated, including "dirt matting and clumping," getting wet, and coat variations, Kane said.
- Many animals, likely fewer than all 170, can be tracked, sorted into Rare, Discoverable and Legendary. Rockstar hasn't named them.
Activities with animals (Reported): SVG says IGN's coverage lists petting, feeding and "studying" animals. IGN's preview says feeding animals can even improve your Criminal Profile. Zoos are a confirmed activity (VGC).
Is there hunting in GTA 6?
Analysis, not confirmed. Polygon points to a Game Informer screenshot of Jason with a rifle on his back, approaching grazing deer. Together with the attention on pelts, it suggests "Red Dead Redemption 2's hunting system will return for GTA 6 in some form." Rockstar hasn't confirmed it.
Reported (rating): the briefly published PEGI description says animals can be harmed, but without the injury detail shown on human characters (Push Square).
Confirmed vs rumored: GTA 6 wildlife
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| 170+ animal species | Reported — Rockstar via Game Informer |
| 60+ bird types, ~30 land mammals | Reported — Rockstar via Game Informer |
| Rare / Discoverable / Legendary tracking tiers | Reported — Game Informer via Polygon |
| A full hunting system | Rumor/Analysis — screenshot hints only |
| Animals can be harmed | Reported — PEGI description |
| A birdwatching or photography minigame | Speculation — Polygon's wish, not a reveal |
The bottom line
Leonida is Rockstar's most animal-packed world yet, so expect Grassrivers and the Keys to feel alive. Where to find those habitats: where GTA 6 takes place.
Sources checked
Update log — 2026-10-15: Published.
Frequently asked questions
- How many animals are in GTA 6?
- More than 170 species, according to Rockstar in Game Informer's cover story.
- Are there manatees in GTA 6?
- Yes. Polygon reports manatees are among the marine animals you can encounter.
- Can you hunt in GTA 6?
- Not confirmed. A screenshot of Jason with a rifle near deer hints at it, but Rockstar hasn't announced a hunting system.
- What are Legendary animals in GTA 6?
- Game Informer reports trackable animals are sorted into Rare, Discoverable and Legendary tiers. Rockstar hasn't named specific Legendary animals.
Keep exploring GTA 6
Has played every mainline Grand Theft Auto since GTA III in 2001.
Editorial note: GTA6Home is an independent fan resource and is not affiliated with Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive. We track official Rockstar announcements and update this guide whenever the facts change — the “Last updated” date above reflects the latest review. Anything not officially confirmed is labeled per our Editorial Policy.