About Okanagan Wildlife

Wild Animals Facts, Outdoor Safety Tips
For Wild Animal Encounters

Viewing Okanagan wildlife in it's natural habitat can be a beautiful thing. Many animals of British Columbia that you may see in the Okanagan Valley includes bears, deer, caribou, moose, wild cougar or puma cat, big horn sheep, wild horses, (Um, yes, I did say wild horses!!) and other mammals. In particular, the western diamond back rattle snake is common, and every summer there are at least a few rattle snake bites reported. You can also learn about some Canadian endangeres species such as the burrowing owl. If you enjoy wildlife viewing, there are other interesting reptiles, rodents, and interesting insects that are found here in the Okanagan that you can learn more about.

This section is all about Okanagan BC wildlife, indigenous animal species and living creatures to watch for in the Okanagan, as well as some basic outdoor safety tips to help you know what to do if you encounter dangerous animals that live here, whether you're camping, biking or hiking, or exploring nature out in the wilderness and forest service areas.

There are many opportunities for viewing animals of many kinds almost everywhere you go in the Okanagan, and if done so safely, both you, the animals and their natural habitat are protected.

Naturally with desert, mountains, forest, wilderness and exploring comes risk to animals, humans and domestic pets. And though sightings nor encounters with wild cougars are common, bears are known to be seen in residential and wilderness areas.

Okanagan British Columbia Wild Animals Facts

The Okanagan lies in the south central portion of British Columbia and is surrounded by BC mountain ranges that protects it from cold arctic weather during the winter months. The southern Interior region of BC lies within the Great Basin Desert region, making it a unique area with an interesting ecosystem, of semi-arid desert climate, unique animal and plant species that are not found anywhere else in British Columbia.

The Central Okanagan lies in the Beaverdell Range and North Okanagan region lies in the higher Monashee Mountain ranges, where grasslands and more traditional agriculture predominate the valley landscapes. And the Shuswap region lies in dense forest near the Monashee Mountains and Cariboo Mountains and the Interior Plateau and enjoys very distinct seasons with an equally beautiful wilderness and exciting outdoor recreation in summer and winter.

Click on the links to learn facts about animals you may see in the Okanagan Valley.

Bears
Wild Cougar
Western Rattle Snake
Wild Horses
Coyote Facts
Spiders
Ogopogo (because we just had to!) ; )

Birding is popular in the Okanagan, with the presence of many North American bird species, programs and bird festivals. The South Okanagan and lower Similkameen valleys have long been known among Canadian nature-lovers as one of the "must-visit" places for birding.

The Okanagan-Similkameen hosts a rare array of natural habitats that serve as a home for unique bird species, some of which are endangered. The South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls (SORCO)rehab facility for injured and orphaned birds of prey (Raptors)

More than 300 species of birds, including some 200 breeding species, are found around the Okanagan, and there are several bird sanctuaries where you'll be more likely to see the most types of birds.

Avid bird watchers visit these regions every year to see birds they simply can't see anywhere else in Canada. If you're here visiting during the month of May, you can take in the annual Meadowlark Festival in the South Okanagan, or the Salmon Arm Grebe Festival in the Shuswap. Both of these events offer great opportunities to experience some of the most beautiful and unique birds during the spring.

Wild Animal Encounters In The Okanagan BC - Outdoor Safety Tips

Not all the wild animals in the Okanagan Valley are classed as 'dangerous wildlife', but all should be considered potentially dangerous, including deer that you may see within city and town limits.

When we share the backcountry with many wild animals that can sometimes be dangerous, safety awareness will help protect you and your family and our wildlife too.

Wild animals are usually wary of human beings and "more inclined to flee or hide than to attack". However, in places such as hiking trails, campgrounds, parks, some residential areas and recreational forest service areas where there are a lot of people in the same areas that animals roams, animals get used to human presence and this can create safety trouble for humans, wildlife and domesticated pets.

The best way to avoid the majority of wildlife is to make noise while you're hiking, whether just by talking with your hiking party, or by wearing bear bells. Noise alerts the animals to your presence, and most often will cause them to run away. Most animals only attack when they are surprised.

Never attempt to feed any wildlife, including birds or chipmunks or squirrels!

Remember that any wild animal, even a white-tailed deer, can be dangerous. If you encounter a wild animal, give them their space. Move slowly around or away from animals. Resist the impulse to get close to, reach out, or call out to them.

Take pictures, using a zoom lens - never try to move closer to an animal to get a better picture. If you plan to do a lot of wildlife viewing, bring a pair of good binoculars or a telescope.

Always keep campgrounds clean to avoid attracting dangerous animals to your campsite. Coolers are NOT bearproof!