Living underground in meadows where ground squirrels thrive, this generally nocturnal member of the weasel family is best seen around twilight.
Wildlife Guide
Mammals
Lions and Wolves and Bears- Oh My!
Enjoying wildlife in and around Wallowa Lake is a pastime that can be rewarding at almost any level of effort- but that depends upon just which animal you’re trying to see. While the Deer and Squirrels will often approach you, others will require a lifetime or a lot of luck just to catch a glimpse.
Whichever animal you’re trying to see, there are always some basic practices that work best:
- Watch during twilight- the transitional times of morning and evening see lots of activity as animals are either waking up or going to their bed.
- Find a place with an expansive view including variable habitat- the forests edge, or a pond in the grassland.
- Sit quietly with binoculars or spotting scope. Most animals don’t recognize people as long as they are still.
- Be patient. While you may not be successful the first time, like any endeavor, perseverance pays.
The county has a fairly good population of Big Horns, primarily in the Snake River area, but there are also small heards in the Eagle Cap.
Not all Black Bears are black; here they are often cinnamon colored and may startle those who at first think they're grizzlies.
About twice the size of your housecat, Bobcats are fairly common but you'll need to be a quiet patient observer to see one (or lucky).
This squirrel is of medium/large size. Locals refer to them as 'Red Diggers' and they are found pretty much everywhere.
While the mountains are home to many of these, most visitors and residents alike will never see one.
The most successful of Americas native canine species, coyotes are often heard but seldom seen.
This is the most successful of the squirrels at busy tourist areas.
If you like to hike the high peaks you're likely to come across this king of the mountain.
A common sight, in town, out of town, wherever. Deer outnumber people living in this area.
These squirrels spend most of their time in the trees where their brown color blends with the bark.
This black-masket bandit of the forest has made its home almost everywhere on the planet.
This area has a healthy population of foxes, several which make their dens around the lake.
These bunnies change color through the seasons to hide from predators.
Wallowa County was the first county in Oregon to see the return of wolves, as they migrated across the Snake River from Idaho.
Believe in Ghosts? Among the most rare of animals, a wolverine was photographed by a trail camera in 2011, high in the Eagle Cap Wilderness.