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Minnesota Wildlife
The Best Places for Viewing
Minnesota's Wild Residents
The Deer Family
Minnesota wildlife is a prime attraction for state visitors. Hiking the trails will greatly increase your odds of seeing some of our most elusive wild animals, however many of our most spectacular animals and birds may show themselves while you are driving through Minnesota.
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. The 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
Timber Wolves have staged a comeback in Minnesota with the passing of the Endangered Species Act. Estimates are that nearly 3,000 wolves now roam the northern forests and sometimes travel to the more southern parts of the state.
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.
Learn much more about Minnesota wildlife and where you can experience encounters with our animal residents at the
Minnesota DNR website.
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