Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge – Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Enjoy Nature in Idaho’s Panhandle at the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge in northern Idaho is an outstanding place to spend time in a beautiful natural area, and it is a great place to view wildlife. The 2,774 acre Refuge is situated in Idaho’s Panhandle, just west of Bonners Ferry. The large variety of diverse habitats throughout this scenic area supports many types of resident as well as migrating wildlife.

The habitats throughout the valley area of the Wildlife Refuge along the west banks of the Kootenai River include wetlands, forests, meadows and fields. There are ponds, marsh areas and creeks in this part of the Refuge where many types of animals and birds reside and visit during migration. The western area of the Refuge climbs into the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains, where denser forest habitats support additional types of wildlife.

Birds at Kootenai Wildlife Refuge

You can see waterfowl, water and marsh birds, songbirds, raptors and forest birds at Kootenai Refuge: 230 species of birds have been spotted here.

Kootenai Refuge was established in 1965 primarily to preserve a resting and feeding area for migrating waterfowl. Farmers grow more than 600 acres of barley and wheat on Refuge lands. The grain is left standing to provide food for waterfowl and other birds.

Mallards, American wigeon, tundra swans and Canada geese are among the migrating birds that rest and feed at Kootenai Refuge in the spring and fall. Some of these birds such as the mallards, Canada geese and others nest at Kootenai following their arrival in the spring.

Owls, ruffed grouse, Cooper’s hawk and the pileated woodpecker are among the forest dwelling birds you might see at Kootenai Refuge. Northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, American kestrels and Bald Eagles may be spotted hunting over open areas and agricultural fields. In wetlands areas, you can spot great blue herons hunting for fish and other pond creatures, while Osprey hunt for fish from above.

Wildlife at Kootenai Wildlife Refuge

Although birding is a very popular activity at the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge, more than 45 mammals have also been observed here. Mice and woodrats, weasels, coyotes and racoons are some of the mammals that live in the brushy areas and grasslands within the Refuge. A coniferous forest area located at the base of the Selkirk Mountains provides habitat for much larger animals including black bear, elk, deer and moose. Moose, muskrats and beavers may be spotted in the wetland areas of the Refuge.

You can visit Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge during daylight hours. There is an Auto Tour available and several walking trails that provide access to wildlife viewing blinds and observation points. Some trails are available year round, while some close during waterfowl hunting season. Regulated hunting and fishing of designated species are available at Kootenai Refuge, as well.

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