Minnesota WildlifeThe Best Places for Viewing
|
The Deer Family
About eight thousand moose call Minnesota home. You are most likely to see them in the northeast corner of the state though we have seen them much farther south. Elk are quite rare but a few still inhabit the
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge.Any time you drive anywhere in Minnesota you are likely to see members of our Whitetail Deer herd. They live in all parts of the state--even in the cities and towns. It is important to be aware of them and be able to avoid a collision.
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!!
Well, not quite. But, while they are extremely elusive, you could see one of the large members of the cat family in Minnesota. Lynx, bobcats and mountain lions--or cougars--are resident wildlife in Minnesota. Most often they stay "up north". but they have been spotted in almost all areas at one time or another.
The black bear population in Minnesota has reached nearly 30,000, so your chances of seeing one are pretty good. Minnesota's black bears are various shades of brown or black but all are members of the same species. To guarantee sightings of black bears, you can visit the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary.
If you are very fortunate, and sharp-eyed, you might spot a river otter, badger, pine marten, or fisher.
Minnesota Wolf Population
If your desire to see Minnesota wildlife includes spotting wolves, your best bet is to visit the International Wolf Center near Ely, MN.
Birds in Minnesota
Minnesota's state symbol bird is the common loon. We love to hear (and try to imitate!) it's haunting call.Other water birds include: Canada geese, mallards,and other types of duck; several types of herons, egrets and cormorants as well as swans and pelicans.
More than 400 species of songbird have been observed in Minnesota with at least 300 species being residents of the state.
Magnificent birds of prey that live here are the Great Gray owl, the Snowy owl, red-tailed hawks, falcons, osprey and, of course, the Bald Eagle.
To watch eagles in Minnesota, be sure to visit the
National Eagle Center near Wabasha.
You can also choose a beautiful etched glass Minnesota wildlife art piece as a memento of your visit.
Subscribe to Minnesota Visitor
From Minnesota Wildlife to
Visit Minnesota Home Page
