N AT U R A L O B S E R V AT I O N S For those wanting to see wildlife, a diverse population of species from the largest land mammals to the smallest creeping creatures live in Lake County. Multiple management agencies have created a haven for wildlife in the valley, so plenty of viewing opportunities are open to the public as long as people use caution and respect. Some of Montana’s iconic large mammals – grizzly and black bear, bighorn sheep, moose, and elk – call the area home, though they often are located off the beaten path, in the heart of desolate wilderness. “They aren’t ones you see very often,” said Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Management Program Manager Dale Becker. Wildlife officials ask that
any sightings of grizzly bear, mountain lion, wolverines, or moose be reported so biologists can log the data. Bighorn sheep that are away from established herds need to be reported immediately because they are at risk of contracting diseases from livestock that can decimate entire wild herds. Porcupine sightings are also of interest as the tribes try to get a handle on how many live in the area. In over two decades, Becker has seen two or three reports of dead porcupines, typically hit by vehicles. The species is of interest culturally because of quillwork, but most people who do quill work locally don’t get their quills from Mission Valley-based porcupines since the critters are so hard to find. S E E PA G E 3 8
EUGENE BECKES PHOTO
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www.mission-general-store.com Hours: Mon-Fri. 9-5:30 • Sat. 9-5 • Closed Sunday • (406) 745-7200 61307 W atson Rd. • St. Ignatius, MT ~ Turn East on Airport Rd. to W atson Rd. (Follow Signs) M O N TA N A S U M M E R
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