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The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers the most
complete and intact array of native wildlife east of the Mississippi.
The large expanse of wilderness has served as a core refuge, supporting
species that have disappeared elsewhere in the eastern United
States. The BWCAW support 52 species of mammals, and over 150
species of birds.
Most of the wildlife you will see in the BWCAW will be birds such
as:
Bald eagle: Soaring above lakes, either very high or fairly
close to the water. Also perched on tree branches next to lakes.
They can be active on carcasses as well.
Osprey: Always working the lakes, flying close to the
water, diving in, fishing.
Rufffed grouse: Listen for the beating of their wings,
which can be quite startling. Hard to see before you hear them
due to extensive natural camouflage.
Raven: Nesting in tall trees or cliffs. Much larger than
crows.
Goshawk: Rare. Deep woods, hunting hare and grouse. Look
for deep red eyes.
Gray Jay: AKA the "camp robber". Pretty birds
that can and will take food right out of your hands. Watch your
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches very closely with these critters
around.
Loon: Floating on the numerous waterways. Listen for their
distinct ethereal calls in lowlight hours.
Ducks: Wood ducks, mallards, hooded and common merganser
and pied- billed grebe can all be found in the Boundary Waters
Canoe Area Wilderness.
The BWCAW is also home to some pretty rare and remarkable mammals:
Grey Wolf: The BWCAW has long been a refuge for the last
large wolf population in the lower 48. They thrive here, and can
frequently be heard. It's difficult to see them in the warmer
seasons however.
Moose: Often called the symbol of the Northwoods. What
would these beautiful lakes be without the moose? The population
has been crashing 6% every year since 2002, but numbers are still
pretty good in the BWCAW.
Lynx: This rare cat calls the BWCAW home, as well as other
areas in the Superior National Forest. Consider yourself very
lucky if you spot one. The lynx have giant paws which allows them
to hunt in deep winter snow.
Please continue to page
2 for the rest of the wildlife information.
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