Animals That Have Beards or Mustaches 13 Weird and Wonderful Animals That Will Make You Jealous

It turns out, having a beard or moustache isn’t just reserved for humans. A multitude of animals also showcases impressive whiskers, beards, and mustaches. In fact, some animals that have beards are even more impressive than what some humans can manage. 

Facial hair styles like the goatee and the walrus mustache are named after animal beard styles. With hundreds of animals sporting beards or mustaches, we’ve narrowed down some of the best for you to admire. 

Delving into the world of animals with facial hair, we explore why these furry features exist and how they aid creatures in their survival and thriving. 

So, if you’re a fan of facial hair, prepare to be amazed by the fantastic beards and mustaches of the animal kingdom.

Beard And Mustache’s Function in Animal

Similar to humans, facial hair serves various functions beyond appearance in animals as well. Some key purposes of an animal’s beard or facial hair include:

1. Camouflage: Certain animals use facial hair for camouflage, allowing them to blend into their environment and avoid predators. The lynx, for instance, has ear tufts that help conceal its outline in the wild.
2. Sensing the Environment: Many animals rely on their mustaches or whiskers to sense their surroundings. Whiskers are specialized hairs that detect touch and vibrations, aiding creatures like cats and rats in navigating in darkness, locating prey, and avoiding obstacles.
3. Social Signalling: In some species, facial hair is utilized for social signaling. Lions use their manes to demonstrate dominance and maturity. Emperor Tamarins, known for their distinctive mustaches, may employ them to recognize one another and communicate within their social groups.
4. Protection: Facial hair can offer protection from various threats. Bison’s shaggy facial hair shields them from cold temperatures and biting insects, and a lion’s mane provides defense during conflicts with other lions.

Facial hair’s multifunctionality across different animal species highlights its adaptive significance in their survival and interaction with their environment. 

Animals That Have Beards

Here’s a summarized version of the list of animals with beards mentioned:

1. Lion: Known as the king of the forest and king of beards, its majestic mane is like a crown.
2. Orangutan: Both males and females have facial hair, with males having longer and bushier beards.
3. Bison: Sporting a long goatee-like beard, the bison’s facial fur provides protection from cold and insects.
4. Bactrian Camel: This camel stands out with a large distinctive beard, an integral part of its appearance.
5. Gorilla: Some gorillas, like mountain gorillas, have shaggy facial hair that resembles mutton chop beards.
6. Mandrill: With a unique beard, mandrills exhibit extraordinary and colorful features, making them distinct.
7. Howler Monkey: These monkeys possess silky and well-groomed beards, standing out among primates.
8. Bornean Bearded Pig: A rare pig species with voluminous neck and nose beards, sometimes covering their eyes.
9. Walrus: Found in the Atlantic, walruses have a distinctive mustache-like feature above their upper jaw.
10. Bearded Vulture: A bird species with beards below their beaks, which develop as they age.
11. Goat: Goats are classic examples of animals with beards, and the term “goatee” is named after their beard pattern.
12. Emperor Tamarin: These adorable animals have white mustache-like facial hair that adds to their charming appearance.
13. Bearded Dogs: Certain dog breeds have furry facial features resembling beards and mustaches.

The presence of apparent hair or fur, sometimes resembling beards, is a common trait in the animal kingdom. This diverse group showcases the unique functions and aesthetics of facial hair in various species.

FAQs on Animals That Have Beards

What animal has a beard?

A variety of animals possess facial hair resembling a beard. Lions sport regal manes, goats have iconic goatees, and bison display shaggy beard-like features. Certain gorillas, orangutans, and howler monkeys exhibit distinct facial hair, while walruses boast moustache-like attributes. Emperor tamarins flaunt charming white mustaches, and even pigs like the Bornean bearded pig have beard-like facial hair. The bearded vulture showcases tufted feathers below its beak. These unique features contribute to the fascinating diversity of the animal kingdom.

Do any other animals have beards?

Bearded Dragons, reptiles known for their spiky chin structures, can puff them out for defensive or social purposes. Bearded Seals possess thick whiskers on their faces, resembling a form of facial hair. Bearded Collies, a breed of dog, are recognized for their shaggy facial fur that creates an endearing beard-like appearance. Avian examples include the Bearded Tit and Bearded Reedling, both showcasing unique facial markings reminiscent of beards. The Bearded Saki Monkey stands out with its long, shaggy facial fur, and the Bearded Pygmy Chameleon exhibits a fringed flap of skin beneath its chin, reminiscent of a beard. 

What farm animal has a beard?

Goats are a well-known farm animal that often has a beard. Goats have facial hair that resembles a beard, and in fact, the term “goatee” is derived from the facial hair pattern of these animals. They are commonly found on farms and are recognized for their distinct appearance, including their beards.

Final Words on Animals That Have Beards

Animals with a beard are a fascinating and diverse group of creatures. From the majestic bison with its shaggy mane to the curious and playful sea otter, a beard can serve many different purposes in the animal kingdom. Some use it for warmth and insulation, while others use it for protection against predators or to attract mates. One thing is for sure, seeing an animal with a beard is always a unique and memorable sight. Whether it’s the long, flowing beard of a lion or the spiky bristles of a hedgehog, these furry appendages add an extra layer of intrigue and personality to our already fascinating animal kingdom.  

Reference:

• https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/animals-with-great-beards/
• https://www.scienceabc.com/nature/animals/why-do-some-animals-have-beards.html 
• https://modernfarmer.com/2017/06/list-10-extremely-good-goat-beards/