Fish and Wildlife

Idaho Wildlife

Fox kittens spotted near Pocatello West Bench, Idaho. Photo by Jeff Kunick, BLM.In Idaho, public lands managed by BLM encompass 10 diverse ecoregions that provide habitat for a variety of native species including over 4,000 vascular plants, 99 mammals, 230 birds, 22 reptiles, 13 amphibians and 39 fish.  

The Idaho landscape, from the northern forest and streams to the southern arid canyons, is expansive and diverse, adding to the challenge of meeting wildlife habitat conservation and restoration needs.  To successfully manage wildlife habitat, the BLM relies on a strong network of partnership with other Federal agencies, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and non-governmental organizations.

What can you do to help?

Volunteering with the BLM, IDFG, U.S. Forest Service, or non-profit organizations on conservation projects provide great opportunities to protect wildlife and restore habitat. Use the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System to report observations of common species or those that have a special conservation status.

What to do if you encounter injured wildlife or young that appear to be abandoned?

Do not handle or dispatch a wounded or young animal for your safety and theirs.  Injured wildlife will be very scared and may bite in self-defense.  Young animals may appear to be abandoned, but in many cases, their mother could be nearby and could injure you in defense of her offspring.  In particular, avoid approaching baby animals, especially bears, deer, elk, moose, mountain lions, and other large mammals. Instead, contact IDFG and report the location, apparent cause of injury, and species.  Please remember that watching wildlife should be enjoyed from a safe distance, because close encounters with wild animals can pose a significant risk to your safety and that of the animal. 


Programs: Fish and Wildlife: Wildlife: Lake Coeur d' Alene Eagle Watch

Lake Coeur d' Alene Eagle Watch 

Each winter from November through February a migrating population of bald eagles visits the Lake Coeur d' Alene area to feed on spawning kokanee salmon. The BLM began counting bald eagles around Wolf Lodge Bay in 1974. The number of eagles returning to this area varies from year to year.

Suggested viewing areas: Higgins Point, Mineral Ridge Boat Ramp, Mineral Ridge Trailhead 

Directions: About 11 miles east of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Take US-90 east from Coeur d'Alene for eight miles to Wolf Lodge Bay (exit 22), then south on Highway 97 for three miles.

Safety/Viewing Tips

  • Avoid disturbing the birds.  Do not approach them on foot.
  • Stay as far away from the birds as possible. Binoculars are essential.
  • Stay in your vehicle if viewing nearby birds.
  • Park off the main roadBald eagle soars overhead during annual Lake Coeur d' Alene Eagle Watch
  • Do not stop on the road or look for eagles while driving. Interstate 90 and Highway 97 are heavily traveled. Remember, it is illegal to stop in any traffic  lane.

Learn more

Weekly Counts

2016/2017 

January 13: 4 adults, 1 juvenile = 5 total
December 22: 222 adults, 39 juveniles = 261 total
December 12: 196 adults, 61 juveniles = 257 total
December 8: 166 adults,47 juveniles = 213 total
November 28: 57 adults,12 juveniles = 69 total
November 20: 26 total

2015/2016 
January 23: 27 adults, 1 juvenile=28 total
January 9: 87 adults, 5 juveniles, 1 unknown=93 total
December 31: 105 adults, 15 juveniles=120 total
December 23: 114 adults, 26 juveniles=140 total
December 17: 58 adults, 8 juveniles = 66 total
December 10: 30 adults, 4 juveniles = 34 total
December 3: 13 adults, 5 juveniles = 18 total
November 25: 4 eagles spotted = 4 total
November 19: No eagles have been spotted yet = 0 total

2014/2015 
January 9: 51 adults, 2 juveniles = 53 total 
December 30: 196 adults, 21 juveniles = 217 total
December 18: 110 adults, 19 juveniles = 129 total
December 10: 73 adults, 12 juveniles, 1 unknown=86 total
December 3: 46 adults, 10 juveniles, 1 unknown= 57 total
November 27: 11 total
November 20: 2 adults, 0 juveniles = 2 total
November 12: 3 adults, 0 juveniles = 3 total

2013/2014
January 10: 44 adults, 12 juveniles = 56 total
January 4: 126 adults, 31 juveniles = 157 total
December 28: 140 adults, 43 juveniles = 183 total
December 19: 208 adults, 49 juveniles = 260 total
December 13: 157 adults, 47 juveniles = 204 total
December 5: 84 adults, 37 juveniles = 121 total
November 27: 88 adults, 12 junveniles = 100 total
November 20:  58 adults, 6 juveniles = 64 total

 

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hawks looking at the camera

View amazing wildlife photos on @BLMIdaho Flickr!