Wildlife Watching

Exploration of this scenic area will allow patient, observant visitors to view the diversity of nature in the Owyhee Plateau and Canyonlands. Pronghorn antelope, mule deer and elk are abundant throughout the area. Several species of upland game birds live throughout the region as well, including dusky (formerly blue) grouse, sage-grouse, California quail, chukar, gray partridge, chukar, ring-necked pheasant, and mourning dove. The Snake River, Salmon Falls Creek and Salmon Falls Reservoir provide important nesting and brood-rearing habitat, migratory resting areas and winter habitat for Canada geese, mallards, ring-necked ducks, lesser scaup, redheads, and common goldeneye. Mountain lions also live in the area, although they are extremely secretive and thus rarely seen. Because mountain lions usually know you are in the area well before you know they are there, sightings of them are rare.