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.
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