2025 Critter Craziness

March Madness: Bears, Bison, and Basketball

Robert Watkins | Last Updated: March 20, 2025

If you’re a wildlife lover, you know March brings the start of spring when animals begin to come out of hibernation. However, if you’re a sports fan, March brings basketball, when everyone fills out their brackets for March Madness. But what if we told you we have the best of both worlds? Welcome to National Wildlife Federation’s first-ever Critter Craziness!

So you may be wondering: how does this work? We’ll be picking four species to represent each region—north, south, east, and west—with a total of 16 species. Then after seeding each region, they’ll be going head to head in our bracket. The only difference between March Madness and Critter Craziness is that you will be deciding our ultimate winner.

Prepare for The Big Prance, follow our social media channels, and join in on all the Critter Craziness.

VOTING BEGINS MARCH 24!

2025 Critter Craziness: Bracket Schedule and Dates

Sweet 16: March 24th – March 27th (8 matchups | 4 days)
- Monday, March 24th: North
- Tuesday, March 25th: East
- Wednesday, March 26th: South
- Thursday, March 27th: West

Elite 8: March 31st – April 1st (4 matchups | 2 days)
- Monday, March 31st: North/East
- Tuesday, April 1st: South/West

Final 4: Thursday, April 3rd (2 matchups | 1 day)

Championship: Monday, April 7th (1 matchup | 1 day)

Regional Matchups

North Region

The North Region may be a favorite for this year’s Critter Craziness bracket with some star-studded species. Starting with moose as the first seed: standing six feet tall from hoof to shoulder, and weighing in at more than 1,000 pounds.

Up next, we have the Canada lynx as the second seed. Also known as the “gray ghost of the north,” these cats are seldomly seen but are well-adapted hunters with great night vision; a true sleeper pick for this year’s matchup.

Then, we have the beaver as the third seed: They have transparent eyelids that act as goggles underwater, so don’t let them slip under your radar!

Lastly, we have the sea otter as the fourth seed. They may hold hands while sleeping in the water, so they don’t drift away, but you otter not underestimate them! They have the densest fur of any animal and make a tough competitor.

East Region

The East Region has some fan-favorite species this year, and should not be overlooked. Soaring in at the first seed is the bald eagle! With an impressive wingspan of up to 6.5 feet and known as a classic icon of the United States, this predatory raptor means business.

Coming in at the second seed is the raccoon. Don’t be deceived by the mask, these creative omnivores always find a way to survive (and work their way into your hearts)!

Up next is the third seed, coyote—with well-rounded adaptability and extreme speed reaching up to 40 mph, this contender is the true underdog of this bracket.

Last but not least, known for its defense, the fourth seed porcupine doesn’t shoot its quills, but it has more than 30,000 at the ready.

South Region

The South Region has species on land, in water, and up in the air, so it may be our most diverse region. Starting us off is the first seed, manatee! Despite their massive size, they are very agile in the water and can eat an average of about 32 pounds of plants a day (an appetite for success, if you will).

Floating in at the second seed is the beloved monarch butterfly, with bright colors serving as a warning to its opponents to attack at their own risk.

Next, we have the third seed, American alligator! With a variety of means of locomotion (swim, walk, run, and crawl) and their tough exterior, it’s safe to say we could have our first croc-erella story.

Finally, we have the fourth seed, burrowing owl, whose small stature is made up for in wit, with the ability to mimic the sound of a rattlesnake to protect their home.

West Region

The West Region is a powerhouse, with some of the largest species rounding out the bracket. Starting with the first seed, bison. As the largest terrestrial animal in North America, they’re not only powerful but can also reach speeds of more than 30 mph.

Up next, the second seed, mountain lion, is a stealthy com(predator)—silent when stalking prey, so don’t let them sneak up on your bracket.

The third seed, pika, is our smallest species in the West, but don’t let that (or their cuteness) fool you—their ability to thrive in the toughest conditions speaks volumes to their strength.

Last but not least, the fourth seed is the grizzly bear. With a bite capable of crushing bone and known for being territorial, it’s safe to say this will be a fierce opponent.