If you blink you may miss some of the most amazing endangered wildlife in the United States. Some are threatened and some are endangered. In almost every part of this country you will lose some if things don’t change. If you are a nature or wildlife lover this may be a great trip to plan while you can still do it.
Wild Salmon
The best time to view wild salmon is during the Fall months. Typically, between October and November, after the rain settles. Due to COVID-19, Kitsap Salmon tours were offered virtually this year. If you are planning a trip next year, here are some tips to help you while going in person. extension.wsu.edu
To boost your chances of seeing salmon, approach streams slowly and wait quietly. Additionally, wear sunglasses to eliminate any glare. Be sure to stay out of the stream. This way you can avoid harming any eggs. If you see a dead salmon do not be upset. After all, dead, decaying salmon release vital nutrients for the food chain.
The following locations are available for self-guided salmon migration viewing mid Oct through Nov.
- Clear Creek Trail & Mouth in Silverdale
- Salmon Haven, Located At Dickerson Creek in Bremerton
- Chico Salmon Viewing Park in Bremerton
- Poulsbo’s Fish Park in Poulsbo
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Black-Footed Ferrets
If you are visiting Colorado, you can get up close with black footed ferrets, which are currently one of the most endangered mammals in North America. Visit the Fort Collins Discovery Museum where you can view live, real-time video of these incredible animals. Keep in mind that black-footed ferrets are primarily nocturnal. Therefore, they typically sleep for most of the day. That being said, you may want to consider watching at night. You can view them by visiting fws.gov.
Whooping Cranes
If you are visiting Texas, be sure to appreciate the graceful Whooping Cranes, which migrate from Canada annually. Since they return to nearly the same exact area every year, they can almost always be found on the Central Texas Coast in-between San Antonio & Houston. Normally, the best places to see the cranes are near Goose Island State Park, as well as Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. To get the best, close-up views of this incredible wildlife, take one of the boat tours. Typically, these are available right out of Rockport. While you are in the Lone Star State, check out our guide on the best experiences in Texas.
At the same time, Aransas Wildlife Refuge is another great stop on your endangered animal conservation tours. When the whooping cranes return, this is one of their favorite spots to return for food. Be sure to stop by the Wildlife Observation Tower and Heron Flats to get the best views. The other option, Goose Island State Park, is located right across from Big Tree. This is yet another site to add to your endangered wildlife travel itinerary. To get here, just follow the signs along State Park Road 13. Keep in mind that cranes are not here all hours of the day. However, multiple types of endangered wildlife often visit daily.
Whooping Cranes Boat Tours
Indeed, every value traveler must experience whooping cranes boat tours on their endangered wildlife travel adventure. Viewing Whooping Cranes by boat is by far the most exciting way to see them. You’ll see more cranes this way, and get great views close up. Here are some tours to choose from:
Rockport Adventures in Rockport-You will see numerous Whooping Cranes over the 3 hour boat tour $ 85. whoopingcranetour.com
Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas- 2 hour boat tour $50 fishermanswharfporta.com
Polar Bears
Out in Alaska the 20,000 Polar Bears are being threatened. The significant decline of sea ice is a major problem for them.
Every year in the fall, Polar Bears gather right off of the Barrier Islands. Many travelers go just off of Barter Island, and visit the small island village of Kaktovik, Alaska. Here, you can see the Polar Bears while they wait for freezing conditions in the Beaufort Sea. This way, they can begin heading out on ice to start hunting.
Keep in mind that Kaktovik is a fairly small Inupiat village. Here, you will find an incredibly limited number of visitor amenities, such as car rentals and lodging options. In fact, access is only available by chartered aircrafts, where weather-related delays are common. If you are looking to visit bears, most visitors choose to come in December.
However, bears and viewers typically migrate to this village at the exact same time, which greatly increases the conflict potential. Therefore, consider viewing these amazing creatures at The Refuge, which provides quality polar bear experiences. Of course, this center places a heavy focus on minimizing safety threats, animal disturbances, as well as local resident conflicts.
To stay safe, you should consider viewing Polar Bears with a guide. Even in this case, take special precautions to remain safe and lawful. Refuge-permitted guides are required to meet all state and federal regulations. Another location to consider is the northernmost tip of Alaska, Utqiagvik. However, keep in mind that bear viewing chances here are not always assured either.
Polar Bear Viewing Tours
Of course, Polar Bear viewing tours are essential when planning an endangered wildlife travel experience. Akook offers a 4-hour trip daily from Aug 20- Sept 30 -$ 480 per person. October goes up to $600 per person. Since these locations are fairly remote, consider our recent guide on how to find cheap flights anywhere.
Many people fly up in the morning and do an afternoon boat tour, spend the night at one of the two local hotels, then do a morning boat tour before flying out. akookarcticasventures.com
Kaktovik Tours has a complete package for $3400 for 2 days including flight from Fairbanks and accommodations at Marsh Creek Inn with meals. kaktoviktours.com
Bighorn Sheep
The state of California has the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep. Drought and habitat destruction from roads and development have added to this problem.
On your endangered wildlife travel journey you will find Bighorns on the desert slopes of Riverside, San Diego, as well as Imperial County. Start off by visiting the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Take a drive or walk down Montezuma Valley and Yaqui Pass Road. Here, you may see some sheep spending time in the rocky slopes of canyons. While you are driving down Highway S-22, wait at mile markers 11 through 13. You may be able to see sheep hanging around nearby watering holes during the hot summer months. Bring binoculars to get the best views.
Seeing Wild Bighorns
One of the best places to stop is right along the Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail. In some cases, you may even see sheep less than 20 feet off the trail. While these endangered animals are generally accustomed to observers, it is best not to disturb them. Keep in mind that they are wild, and they need to reach their source of food, water, and shelter without human interference.
In Palm Springs, the South Lyyken Trail is a great start for Bighorn Sheep lovers. Visitors can enjoy these spots without disturbing wildlife, since the trail stays elevated above the water. If you are looking for additional options, head over to Bear Creek Oasis Trail, located right in La Quinta Cove. Here, you can take the Bump & Grind Trail in Palm Desert, where you will get spectacular wildlife views.
Remember that spotting Bighorns is generally difficult. After all, they seamlessly blend in with their background. Even more, they are known to sit in one place without hours, without movement. To many unexperienced wildlife viewers, this makes them nearly invisible.
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