Wildlife Watching in Lake of the Woods

One of the most rewarding things about living in Lake of the Woods is the wildlife. I'm not talking about driving to a nature preserve — I'm talking about stepping onto your deck in the morning and seeing deer browsing thirty feet away. It's an everyday experience here, and it never gets old.

What You'll See

The forested setting at 5,200 feet supports an incredible variety of wildlife. Here's what residents regularly encounter:

• Mule deer: The most common sighting. They're everywhere — on your lawn, crossing the road, bedding down in the shade of the oaks. In spring, watch for fawns.
• Black bears: They pass through, usually looking for food. Secure your trash and they'll move on.
• Gray foxes: Often seen at dawn and dusk, these elegant little predators are a treat to watch.
• Coyotes: You'll hear them more than you see them, especially at night. Keep small pets inside after dark.
• Mountain lions: Rarely seen but present. They tend to avoid people. Be aware, especially at dawn and dusk.

Birding in Lake of the Woods

The birding up here is excellent. The forest supports:

• Steller's jays — bright blue and loud
• Acorn woodpeckers — listen for their constant tapping
• Red-tailed hawks and Cooper's hawks
• Great horned owls — you'll hear them at night
• Mountain quail and band-tailed pigeons
• Seasonal migrating species in spring and fall

Tips for Wildlife Coexistence

Living this close to wildlife requires some simple practices. Secure your trash, don't feed the animals (ever — it causes more harm than good), keep pet food inside, and give large animals space. Bears, in particular, have incredible noses and long memories. One unsecured trash can makes your property a regular stop on their route.

Why It Matters

For a lot of buyers I work with, the wildlife is a primary draw. They want to live somewhere that feels genuinely connected to nature — not a development that was carved out of it. Lake of the Woods offers that. The trees, the quiet, the animals — it all comes together to create a living environment that's increasingly rare.

The trails around here are also excellent for wildlife spotting — check out the Lake of the Woods hiking trails for routes through prime habitat. If you're the kind of person who gets excited about spotting a hawk from your kitchen window or hearing an owl at night, Lake of the Woods might be your place. Learn more about this unique forested community and come spend a day up here to see for yourself.