As much a wildlife haven as it is a sprawling, breathtaking wilderness frontier, Idaho is home to over 300 species of animals in the panhandle alone — from tiny woodland creatures, big game, and magnificent raptors, to our waterways and forest floors bursting with wildlife of every size imaginable.

Idaho is unique in that whether strolling through a city park or exploring Idaho’s remote landscape, it typically doesn’t take much waiting to have a heart-stopping encounter with a magnificent creature of some kind; but occasionally, a talented Idaho photographer will capture the moment in spectacular vividness. A special thank you to the keen eyes and incredible photographic talents of the artists whose photos who’ve we’ve included in this list — they’ll make you fall in love with Idaho all over again.

  1. A line of Canada geese in Idaho Falls.

CC0 Geese have adapted so well to Idaho’s climate that many have become permanent “residents.”

  1. An adorable skunk captured from a safe distance in Fremont.

Dan Dzurisin/Flickr Don’t try this shot at home.

  1. A majestic bald eagle in Coeur d’Alene

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Coeur d’Alene’s Annual Eagle Count is a sight to see – hundreds of our nation’s birds migrating from Canada just in time to catch winter salmon. Phenomenal.

  1. These adorable white-tailed fawns sharing a kiss.

spec.B/Flickr

  1. This chipmunk relaxing in the Sawtooths is too cute for words.

David Wormley/Flicckr

  1. These exquisite horses at a Sun Valley stable are incredible.

Thomas Hawk/Flickr

  1. An incredibly attentive robin gazing into the distance.

Eric Heupel/Flickr

  1. This majestic moose speaks for himself.

Jeremy Wheaton/Flickr

  1. These adorable ducks are clearly out on a date.

Laura Gilmore/Flickr

  1. This heron fits right into urban Garden City.

selent7seven/Flickr

11, Another Idaho chipmunk because this little guy obviously wants the attention.

Brian Kelly/Flickr “Is that me? Do my cheeks always look this big?”

  1. This colorful butterfly is one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen.

Laura Gilmore/Flickr Ah, Spring.

  1. This snowy elk in Coeur d’Alene looks rather regal.

Debbie Berger/Flickr

  1. Underwater, Idaho’s fish are more colorful and vibrant than you realize.

James Perkins/Flickr

  1. This fluffy mountain cottontail is quietly captivated by the camera lens.

Nick Varvel/Flickr

Idaho is incredible. Do you have any wildlife photos or encounter stories to share? Let us know in the comments!

CC0

Geese have adapted so well to Idaho’s climate that many have become permanent “residents.”

Dan Dzurisin/Flickr

Don’t try this shot at home.

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr

Coeur d’Alene’s Annual Eagle Count is a sight to see – hundreds of our nation’s birds migrating from Canada just in time to catch winter salmon. Phenomenal.

spec.B/Flickr

David Wormley/Flicckr

Thomas Hawk/Flickr

Eric Heupel/Flickr

Jeremy Wheaton/Flickr

Laura Gilmore/Flickr

selent7seven/Flickr

Brian Kelly/Flickr

“Is that me? Do my cheeks always look this big?”

Ah, Spring.

Debbie Berger/Flickr

James Perkins/Flickr

Nick Varvel/Flickr

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