Two children looking at a herd of elk from the bed of a carriage in a snowy landscape with mountains in the background

While our refuge hosts over 200 species of birds, there are also a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects to see. Here are some wildlife viewing tips from refuge staff:

  • Use binoculars and/or spotting scopes to see wildlife from far away without disturbing them
  • Early morning is the best time to see wildlife, but please note that the refuge is open from dawn to dusk
  • Look for signs of wildlife such as animal tracks, scat, or chewed beaver logs. Please remember to leave objects where you found them
  • Be patient and wait for wildlife to emerge; listen for animal sounds such as bird calls that might alert you that wildlife are near