Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program

Over half a million Idahoans participate in wildlife watching activities annually. Watching wildlife is one of the most popular types of outdoor recreation in Idaho.

Whether you are traveling to one of Idaho’s mountains, forests, deserts, or rivers, to bird watch, view wildflowers, or snap a few photos - Idaho’s Watchable Wildlife Program makes that experience as rewarding as possible.

The Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program is a part of Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Wildlife Diversity Program. It is guided by the Idaho Watchable Wildlife Committee, a collaborative group of local, state, and federal agency representatives and conservation organizations that promotes:

an appreciation for wildlife and their habitats,
wildlife-based tourism,
responsible wildlife observation ethics for the citizens and wildlife of Idaho.

Look for the binocular sign along roads and highways to find areas for good viewing wildlife opportunities.

Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway Wildlife Viewing Guide – [PDF, 1 MB]

News

Falcon family finds a home at Fish and Game's Pocatello office

Monday, July 16, 2018 - 5:20 PM MDT

The grounds of the Idaho Fish and Game regional office in Pocatello is home to various critters—cottontail rabbits, songbirds, a marmot, occasional deer, and even wild turkeys now and then. Right now, the office grounds is also home to an American Kestrel family: mom, dad, and three young chicks… more like teenagers, really.

Southeast Region Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
'Maverick' moose relocated from downtown Burley

Tuesday, June 5, 2018 - 11:50 AM MDT

On June 3, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office notified Fish and Game about a moose that had been spotted within the city of Burley near the Pleasant View cemetery. Around 5 p.m. that day, Fish and Game conservation officers and wildlife staff responded to the area, and they were able to tranquilize the moose near the Maverick gas station on east Main Street.

Moose Hunting Big Game Hunting Wildlife Conservation and Management Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program Magic Valley Region Moose (Alces americanus)
Skade's Jumping Slug: Idaho's Newest Wildlife Species

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 - 3:41 PM MDT

When the rut is on or the powder flies, my family drops everything and heads for the hills. Our love for the mountains inspired us to name our daughter, Skade, after the Norse goddess of winter, skiing, and bowhunting; Skaði. Like all parents, we’re excited to share our passions with Skade.

State Wildlife Action Plan Wildlife Conservation and Management Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program Panhandle Region Pale Jumping-slug (Hemphillia camelus) Skade's Jumping-slug (Hemphillia skadei)
Helping 6 Wildlife Species Beat Climate Change Odds

Thursday, February 1, 2018 - 4:39 PM MST

Helping 6 Wildlife Species Beat Climate Change Odds

Panhandle Region Wildlife Conservation and Management State Wildlife Action Plan Engineering for Fish and Wildlife Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program