Idaho is home to a diverse array of animal species, both terrestrial and aquatic. Some examples of animals native to Idaho include the North American elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep. Other common animals native to Idaho include the black bear, gray wolf, mountain lion, and moose. There are also many species of small mammals found in Idaho, such as the American marten, red squirrel, and beaver. In the state's aquatic environments, you can find a variety of fish species, such as cutthroat trout and steelhead, as well as amphibians like the western toad and Pacific treefrog.
Let us dive in further and explore the wild animals native to Idaho...
Grizzly Bear
The Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) is a large mammal that is found in North America, primarily in Alaska and Canada, but also in parts of the continental United States. They are known for their distinctive hump on their shoulders, and for their shaggy, grizzled fur. They are omnivorous, and feed on a wide variety of foods, including berries, fruits, insects, fish, and large mammals. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, and tundra, and are active during the day and night.
Mountain Goat
The Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) is a large mammal that is found in the high mountains of North America. They are known for their sure-footedness and ability to climb steep, rocky terrain. They have thick, shaggy white coats and long, curved horns. They are herbivorous and primarily eat grasses and shrubs. They are found in alpine tundra and rocky mountainous regions, and are active during the day.
Gray Wolf
The Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) is a large mammal that is found throughout North America and Eurasia. They are known for their powerful build, sharp teeth, and characteristic howl. They are carnivorous and primarily eat ungulates such as deer and elk, but also eat smaller mammals, birds, and even fish. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, tundra, and grasslands, and are active during the day and night.
Canada Lynx
The Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) is a medium-sized wild cat that is found throughout Canada and Alaska, as well as parts of the northern United States. They have long legs, large padded paws, and short, stubby tails. They have distinctive ear tufts, and a ruffed neck and are known for their thick, soft fur, which is used in the fur trade. They are carnivorous and primarily eat small mammals, especially snowshoe hares. They are found in boreal forests, alpine tundra, and even in some suburban areas, they are active during the night.
Elk
The Elk (Cervus canadensis) also known as Wapiti is a large mammal that is found throughout North America. They are known for their large bodies, distinctive antlers, and reddish-brown coats. They are herbivorous and primarily eat grasses, forbs, and browse. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and grasslands, and are active during the day and night.
Mule Deer
The Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is a medium-sized mammal that is found throughout western North America. They are known for their large ears, which resemble those of a mule, and for their distinctive white tail with a black tip. They are herbivorous and primarily eat browse, grasses, and forbs. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and grasslands, and are active during the day and night.
Bighorn Sheep
The Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) is a large mammal that is native to North America. They are known for their large, curved horns, which can weigh up to 30 pounds and can grow to be over 4 feet long. They are herbivorous, and primarily feed on grasses, forbs, and shrubs. They are found in rocky, mountainous regions and are active during the day and night. They are also known for their agility and ability to climb steep and rocky terrain.
Pronghorn
The American Pika (Ochotona princeps) is a small mammal that is native to western North America. They are known for their small, round ears, and for the high-pitched "eee-eee" calls that they make. They are herbivorous and primarily eat grasses, moss, and lichens. They are found in rocky, alpine environments, and are active during the day.
American Pika
The American Pika (Ochotona princeps) is a small mammal that is native to western North America. They are known for their small, round ears, and for the high-pitched "eee-eee" calls that they make. They are herbivorous and primarily eat grasses, moss, and lichens. They are found in rocky, alpine environments, and are active during the day.
American Marten
The American Marten (Martes americana) is a small, agile mammal that is native to North America. They are known for their soft, thick, and luxuriant fur, and for their tree-climbing abilities. They are carnivorous and primarily eat small mammals and birds, as well as insects, fruits and berries. They are found in coniferous and mixed forests, and are active during the day and night.
Western Rattlesnake
The Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) is a venomous snake that is found throughout western North America, including in Idaho. They have a distinctive rattle on the end of their tail which they shake when threatened. They are typically brown or gray in color and have a distinctive diamond pattern on their back. They are known to live in a variety of habitats, including deserts, forests, and mountains, and are active both day and night.
American Mink
The American Mink (Neovison vison) is a semiaquatic mammal that is native to North America. They are small and agile, with dark, glossy fur, and have a long, slender body with short legs and an elongated snout. They are carnivorous and eat fish, crayfish, and other aquatic animals, as well as small mammals, birds and eggs. They are found near water, such as rivers, streams, and wetlands. Although they are found primarily in wild, they were also introduced in Europe and South America for fur farming, leading to an invasive population.
North American Beaver
The North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) is a large rodent that is native to North America. They are known for their distinctive, flat tails and their ability to build dams and lodges. They are primarily herbivorous, and feed on bark, leaves, and aquatic vegetation. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including streams, rivers, and ponds, and can be found in most parts of North America.
North American Porcupine
The North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is a large rodent that is native to North America. They have a stocky body covered in sharp quills, which they use as a defense mechanism. They are herbivores and feed primarily on the bark and twigs of trees, and can often be found in forests and mountainous regions. They are slow-moving and primarily active at night, during which they forage for food.
Moose
The Moose (Alces alces) is a large mammal that is native to North America and parts of Europe and Asia. They are known for their impressive antlers, which can grow up to 6 feet wide, and long legs which allow them to wade through deep snow. They are herbivores, and primarily feed on leaves, twigs, and bark of willows, birches, and other vegetation. They are found primarily in cold and forested regions, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including coniferous and deciduous forests, swamps, and even tundra.
American Black Bear
The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is a medium-sized mammal that is native to North America. They are typically black in color, but can also be brown or cinnamon-colored. They are omnivorous, and feed on a variety of foods, including berries, fruits, insects, and small mammals. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, and swamps, but they are also known to live in suburban areas on the edges of human settlements. They are excellent climbers and swimmers and can be active during the day or night.
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a large, nocturnal bird of prey that is found throughout North America. They are known for their distinctive "horns" or ear tufts, as well as their piercing yellow eyes. They are known for their silent flight and ability to hunt small mammals such as mice and rabbits, as well as larger mammals such as raccoons. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a large bird of prey that is found throughout North America, as well as in other parts of the world. They are known for their powerful and graceful flight, as well as their distinctive golden-brown plumage. They typically hunt for small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and are known to live in a variety of habitats, including mountainous regions and open grasslands. They are apex predators and play a vital role in their ecosystems, helping control the populations of smaller animals.
Red Squirrel
The red squirrel is a species of tree squirrel that is native to North America. They are typically red or brown in color and have a bushy tail. They are known for their agility and ability to climb trees.
Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat trout is a species of freshwater fish that is native to western North America. They are named for the distinctive red or orange slash marks under their jaw. They are popular among anglers and are valued for their fighting ability and good flavor.
Steelhead
Steelhead is a species of fish that is closely related to the rainbow trout. They are native to the Pacific coast of North America, and they migrate to the ocean as juveniles before returning to freshwater as adults to spawn. They are highly prized by anglers for their game-fish qualities.
Western Toad
The western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) is a species of amphibian that is native to western North America, including parts of Alaska, Canada, and the United States. They are typically brown or gray in color and have warty skin. They can grow to be up to 7.5 cm (3 inches) long and they are terrestrial and aquatic amphibian. They are known to live in different habitats such as meadows, deserts, forests, and even suburban and urban environments.
Pacific Treefrog
The Pacific treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) is a species of amphibian that is native to western North America, from southern Alaska to northern Baja California. They are small, typically growing to be about 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) long, and are usually green or brown in color. They are known for their distinctive "croak" call, which is often heard at night. They are found in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and suburban areas.
Western Tanager
The Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) is a brightly colored songbird that is found in western North America, from southern Alaska to northern Mexico. They have a distinctive, brightly colored plumage, with a yellow head and breast, black back, and red-orange wings. They have a relatively short tail and strong beak. They are found in a variety of habitats, including coniferous forests, deciduous woodlands, and even chaparral and oak savannah. They are known for their beautiful song, and they are generally active during the day, they are migratory birds and they move to southern regions in the winter.
Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a species of thrush that is native to western North America, including parts of Alaska, Canada, and the United States. It is a brightly colored bird, with a bright blue back and wings, and a rusty-red breast. They are known to breed at higher elevations, and they are often found in mountainous regions, hence their name.
Pygmy Nuthatch
The Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) is a small, non-migratory bird that is native to western North America. It is a common resident of coniferous forests, and it is well-adapted to life in the trees, often climbing head-first down tree trunks in search of food. They are typically gray or blue-gray in color and have a white belly.
American Robin
The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a familiar and widespread bird that is found throughout North America. It is a robin-sized bird with a rust-red breast and a gray-blue back. They are a common sight in gardens, parks, and forests and are known for their cheerful song and early spring arrival. The American Robin is a ground forager and opportunistic feeder, eating both insects, fruits and berries.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small, brightly colored songbird that is found throughout North America. It is most easily recognized by its bright yellow plumage, black cap and wings, and white tail feathers. They are known for their cheerful, warbling song and for their fondness for thistle seeds. They can be found in a variety of habitats, from suburban gardens to wild meadows.
Eastern Towhee
The Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is native to the eastern and central United States and southeastern Canada. They are typically black and white in color, with a rusty-red underbelly. They are known for their bright yellow eyes, and their loud, ringing song. They are found in woodlands, forests, and brushy fields.
Whooping Crane
The Whooping Crane (Grus americana) is a large, iconic bird that is native to North America. They are known for their striking white plumage, black wing tips, and red head. They are critically endangered with a population of around 600 birds remaining in the wild as of 2021. They are migratory, with most birds spending summers in Canada and winters in Texas, with a small population staying in the non-migratory flock in the central states.
Sandhill Crane
The Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) is a large crane species found throughout North America. They have gray plumage and a red forehead, and can grow up to 4-5 ft tall. They are known for their trumpeting calls, and for performing dance rituals during courtship and territory establishment. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and croplands, but are most commonly seen on the prairies of the western states.