Idaho is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from majestic elk to tiny pikas. This blog post will provide a brief overview of some of the state’s most iconic species, including their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats.
### Elk
Elk are the largest members of the deer family and are found in forests throughout Idaho. They are brown or tan in color with white rump patches and antlers that can grow up to 4 feet long. Elk are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, and twigs. They are social animals and live in herds of up to 100 individuals. Elk are preyed upon by wolves, bears, and cougars.
### Moose
Moose are the largest land mammals in North America and are found in the mountains of Idaho. They are brown in color with long legs, a large head, and a distinctive hump on their back. Moose are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants. They are solitary animals and only come together to mate. Moose are preyed upon by wolves, bears, and cougars.
### Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn sheep are found in the mountains of Idaho. They are brown or gray in color with white horns that can grow up to 4 feet long. Bighorn sheep are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, and twigs. They are social animals and live in herds of up to 50 individuals. Bighorn sheep are preyed upon by wolves, bears, and mountain lions.
### Mountain Goats
Mountain goats are found in the mountains of Idaho. They are gray or brown in color with long, curved horns. Mountain goats are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, and twigs. They are social animals and live in herds of up to 20 individuals. Mountain goats are preyed upon by wolves, bears, and mountain lions.
### Black Bears
Black bears are found in forests throughout Idaho. They are black or brown in color with a white chest. Black bears are omnivores and their diet consists mainly of berries, insects, and small mammals. They are solitary animals and only come together to mate. Black bears are preyed upon by wolves, cougars, and humans.
### Grizzly Bears
Grizzly bears are found in the mountains of Idaho. They are brown in color with a white or blond-tipped coat. Grizzly bears are omnivores and their diet consists mainly of large mammals, such as elk and moose. They are solitary animals and only come together to mate. Grizzly bears are preyed upon by wolves, cougars, and humans.
### Wolves
Wolves are found in the mountains and forests of Idaho. They are gray in color with a black or brown back. Wolves are carnivores and their diet consists mainly of elk, moose, and deer. They are social animals and live in packs of up to 20 individuals. Wolves are preyed upon by humans.
### Cougars
Cougars are found in the mountains and forests of Idaho. They are tan or brown in color with a black or brown tail. Cougars are carnivores and their diet consists mainly of deer, elk, and moose. They are solitary animals and only come together to mate. Cougars are preyed upon by humans.
### Bobcats
Bobcats are found in forests throughout Idaho. They are brown or gray in color with a black-tipped tail. Bobcats are carnivores and their diet consists mainly of rabbits, rodents, and small mammals. They are solitary animals and only come together to mate. Bobcats are preyed upon by wolves, bears, and humans.
### Lynx
Lynx are found in the mountains of Idaho. They are gray or brown in color with a black-tipped tail. Lynx are carnivores and their diet consists mainly of snowshoe hares. They are solitary animals and only come together to mate. Lynx are preyed upon by wolves, bears, and humans.
### Pikas
Pikas are found in the mountains of Idaho. They are small, rabbit-like animals with short legs and long tails. Pikas are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, and flowers. They are social animals and live in colonies of up to 100 individuals. Pikas are preyed upon by hawks, owls, and coyotes.
### Marmots
Marmots are found in the mountains of Idaho. They are large, ground squirrels with thick fur. Marmots are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, and flowers. They are social animals and live in colonies of up to 100 individuals. Marmots are preyed upon by hawks, owls, and coyotes.
### Groundhogs
Ground
