![Two children looking at a herd of elk from the bed of a carriage in a snowy landscape with mountains in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/2021-02/winter-sleigh-ride-on-national-elk-refuge-natalie-fath-usfws.jpg?itok=V3h6XPlX)
While our refuge hosts over 200 species of birds, there are also a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects to see. Here are some wildlife viewing tips from refuge staff:
- Use binoculars and/or spotting scopes to see wildlife from far away without disturbing them
- Early morning is the best time to see wildlife, but please note that the refuge is open from dawn to dusk
- Look for signs of wildlife such as animal tracks, scat, or chewed beaver logs. Please remember to leave objects where you found them
- Be patient and wait for wildlife to emerge; listen for animal sounds such as bird calls that might alert you that wildlife are near