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

Flock of red-winged blackbirds shot near Aberdeen

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 - 10:49 AM MDT

“Red-winged blackbirds are an iconic bird of spring here in southeast Idaho, and it’s horrible to see them meet this fate,” says District Conservation Officer Tim Klucken. “It’s important for people to realize that nearly every non-game bird species in Idaho is protected.”

Southeast Region Enforcement Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Rare to Idaho, a ringtail was recently found in Twin Falls, and you can see it in a video

Friday, January 21, 2022 - 4:34 PM MST

Finding a ringtail in Idaho is a very rare occurrence, and the last few sightings have happened near Twin Falls. In early December 2021 staff from the Amalgamated Sugar factory south of Twin Falls spotted a ringtail on the property. Within a few days a wildlife biologist from the Magic Valley Regional set traps with a goal of relocation to more suitable habitat.

Magic Valley Region Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus)