Wildlife In The Okanagan BC

Amazing Animals Of British Columbia

Viewing Okanagan wildlife in it's natural habitat can be a beautiful thing. Many wild 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, (they're actually feral horses) and other mammals.....

....like these darling - but sometimes a little annoying to some local gardeners ;) - marmots.

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.

This section is all about Okanagan BC wildlife, wild animals facts, and some basic hiking and outdoor safety tips for exploring the area and camping safety tips if you are on a camping vacation.

If you enjoy wildlife viewing, there are other interesting reptiles, rodents, and even some unique insects that are found here in the Okanagan that you can learn more about. You can also learn about some Canadian endangeres species such as the burrowing owl.

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.

And in particular, the western diamond back rattle snake is common - sorry, but every summer there are at least a few rattle snake bites reported.

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

Bears
Wild Cougar
Western Rattle Snake
Stellar's Jay - British Columbia Official Bird
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.

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.

The Okanagan-Similkameen is home to 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)

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.

Okanagan Wildlife & Outdoor Safety

We share the backcountry, and sometimes within city and town limits, with many wild animals that can sometimes be dangerous; awareness will help protect you and your family and our wildlife too.

Remember that any wild animal, even a white-tailed deer, can be dangerous.

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, forest service areas, campgrounds, parks and some residential areas there are a lot of people in the same areas that animals roam.

These animals get used to human presence and this can create safety trouble for humans, wildlife and domesticated pets.

The best way to avoid encounters with 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.

Please.....never attempt to feed any wildlife, including ducks, birds, chipmunks or squirrels!

If you encounter a wild animal, simply give them their space. Move slowly around or away from it and 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!

Places To Visit To Learn About Okanagan Wildlife

You can learn all about Okanagan wildlife, reptiles and amphibians, spiders and insects, the Canadian moose, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Yellow bellied marmots, Big horned sheep, Burrowing owls, Salmon species and much more at some of these wonderful and educational attractions in the Okanagan.

• Osoyoos Desert Centre (Osoyoos BC)


• Roderick Haig Provincial Park (Salmon Arm BC)


• Allan Brooks Nature Center (Vernon BC)


• Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre (Osoyoos BC)

We're always adding new pages. Please do visit often for Okanagan British Columbia travel and tourism information, including Okanagan accommodation guide, great attractions, guide to the Okanagan wineries and Okanagan BC golf vacations, all the fun Okanagan festivals, fairs and events, best fun for kids, ideas for winter vacations, summer vacation ideas, shopping, places to eat, and much much more!