Animals

Iconic species that roam the landscape:

• Grizzly and black bears - remember these apex predators require proper food and carcass storage.
• Moose and elk - common in wetlands, forest, and grassland, these large herbivores are often seen at dawn and dusk.
• Mountain lions and wolves - apex predators that are elusive and are not often seen by people.
• Bighorn sheep and mountain goats - these animals are adapted to rocky cliffs and alpine terrain.
• Beavers and otters - essential to wetland health, shaping waterways, and providing habitat to fish and birds.

Over 200 bird species can be found on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, from raptors to waterfowl:

• Golden and bald eagles - majestic raptors that soar above rivers and valleys.
• Great gray owls and northern goshawks - raptors of the forest.
• Trumpeter swans, great blue herons and sandhill cranes - iconic wetland birds, often seen in marshy areas, rivers, streams or lakes.
• Clark's nutcracker and mountain bluebird - found in the montane and alpine forests.

Though less common in Montana's cool climate, the region is home to several species:

• Columbia spotted and boreal chorus frogs - found in wetland areas.
• Painted turtle - found in slow moving water and ponds.
• Gartersnakes - the most widespread snake in the region.
• There is only one poisonous snake in Montana, the prairie rattlesnake.

Pristine mountain streams and alpine lakes provide habitat for fish:

• Westslope cutthroat trout - Montana's state fish.
• Bull trout - a threatened species requiring cold, clean water.
• Mountain whitefish and Arctic grayling - indicators of aquatic ecosystem health.

A vast array of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates support the forest's food web. Notable species include: 

• Pollinators - bees, butterflies, and months essential for plant reproduction.
• Dragonflies and mayflies - kay indicators of water quality.
• Western bumblebee - a declining species vital for wildflower pollination.