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Wildlife & Habitat

Despite its relatively small size of 2,774 acres, a wide variety of habitat types can be found on the refuge which plays an important role in the large number of wildlife species that use the refuge during migration and breeding seasons. Over 300 species of wildlife - 22 species of fish, 7 species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles, 45 species of mammals, and over 223 species of birds have been observed on the refuge.

Wetlands, meadows, riparian forests and cultivated agricultural fields (for producing wildlife food crops) make up the fertile river valley which constitutes the largest portion of the refuge. In combination with cereal grains, seasonal wetlands of the refuge provide habitat to support peak waterfowl populations of 24-40,000 birds, especially mallards in the fall and spring. Several large, permanent and semi-permanent ponds contain a mixture of relatively deep open water and dense stands of emergent plants which provide important breeding and nesting habitat for waterfowl and water birds including redheads, grebes, rails, and black terns. In the fall and winter, these wetlands are important stop over areas for species such as tundra swans and numerous other waterfowl. Riparian habitat consisting of native deciduous trees and shrubs such as cottonwoods, willows, aspen and hawthorne along water courses and near wetlands provide important habitat for resident and migratory birds, supporting more species than any other habitat type.

On the west side of valley, the refuge extends a short distance up the base of the Selkirk Range, protecting a narrow strip of 532 acres of forested habitat. The slopes are steep, exceeding 30% in many places. The "corduroy" terrain creates a series of aspects that vary from relatively dry, open areas with ponderosa pine to coves of colder, wetter sites dominated by western red cedar. Douglas fir is the most common species found in both the dry and moist sites. Other conifers include grand fir, western larch and western hemlock. Some areas display distinct mature, old growth forest characteristics and have high natural diversity and structure, as well as a high value to wildlife. Large cottonwoods are found along streams in lower elevations, along with some aspen and birch. This diverse combination of dry and moist mixed coniferous forest supports a variety of warblers, thrushes, nuthatches, flycatchers and woodpeckers including the majestic pileated that can often be heard or seen.

The refuge also contains portion of Deep, Myrtle, and Cascade Creeks which originate in the Selkirks. Deep Creek which runs into the River marks the refuges southeastern boundary. The federally listed threatened species, bull trout, has been documented in both Myrtle and Deep Creek.

For a complete list of species that you might observe on your visit: Kootenai NWR Watchable Wildlife