Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Wildlife on the Forest

Management of the animals, birds, and fish on the Forest is the responsibility of the Idaho and Wyoming Departments of Fish and Game. Management of their habitat is the responsibility of the Forest Service.

A potential 300 species of nesting birds, 85 species of mammals and 17 amphibians and reptiles occur on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The most diverse wildlife composition occurs in cottonwood river bottoms adjacent to rivers and streams, particularly if talus and rock outcroppings occur. The Caribou-Targhee provides summer range for some of Idaho's more prominent elk populations. Both elk and deer winter ranges occur throughout the Forest, particularly in the southern portions along the Tetons into the South Fork of the Snake River drainage. Although both bighorn sheep and mountain goats occur on areas of the Forest, neither is very abundant but their populations are increasing. Antelope are relatively common within the western extreme of the Caribou-Targhee. Moose occur in suitable habitat on many portions of the Forest.

Other large mammals which are common on the Forest include the black bear and coyote. Status of mountain lion, bobcat, and lynx are unknown. This is also true for several species of mustelids, including the otter, martin, wolverine, and fisher.

One of the largest known wintering concentrations of trumpeter swans is found here, and some of these birds also nest in the area. Sandhill cranes nest throughout most of the Forest, and one of their fall staging areas is in the Henry's Lake area. This is also a staging area for many raptors, including the praire falcon and ferruginous hawk. Bald eagle and osprey nesting activity has been observed on both the Henry's and South Fork of the Snake River. The golden eagle is a fairly common species Forestwide.

Three endangered or threatened species of wildlife have been observed on the Forest: the grizzly bear, rocky mountain wolf, and the peregrine falcon. Although occasional sightings of grizzlies are made on the Ashton and Island Park Ranger Districts, consistent reports are limited to areas adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. Verified wolf sightings have been made in the Continental Divide area on the western end of the Forest. Peregrine nesting sites occur on the Forest.