Experience the untamed and unforgettable wildlife wonders of Lake Tahoe! From majestic bald eagles soaring above to playful marmots scampering through the woods, the region is teeming with natural beauty. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and colorful native birds, all thriving in their pristine mountain home. Respect their space for a safe experience.
The American black bear, native to North America, thrives in the Lake Tahoe Basin. These agile climbers can reach speeds of 30 mph, stand 4-7 feet tall, and weigh up to 500 pounds. Females are smaller, maxing out at 300 pounds. With a population of 750,000, they're a Tahoe treasure.
"Black" bear refers to the species of bear, not their color. Black bears range in color from blonde to black, with cinnamon brown being the most common color.
Be careful. Be aware of your surroundings and remember to stay alert and never feed bears—it's against the law. Store food, drinks, and coolers in bear-resistant containers, and always use bear-proof trash bins to dispose of garbage safely. For more information about Black Bears in the Lake Tahoe Basin and being "Bear Aware", please visit:
US Forest Service - Be Bear Aware or
Guidelines for Living In and Visiting Bear Habitat
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, native to Lake Tahoe and the largest inland cutthroat trout, are endangered and rare. Anglers typically catch lake trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, or bass instead.
Yellow-Bellied Marmots, or "woodchucks," are large ground squirrels with yellowish-brown backs and buff underbellies. Found above 6,500 feet, they sun on rocks in summer, feeding on meadow vegetation after spring hibernation.
A resident of the wild west, the coyote is a very curious animal and often lives close to humans. They usually hunt at night and can be seen near highways in the Tahoe Basin.
This species of deer gets its name from their unusually large ears which resemble those of a mule! They are closely related to the white-tailed deer (which do not live in the area). They can often be seen grazing in the meadows in the mornings and evenings.
Lake Tahoe can be a wonderland for birding enthusiasts. The Northern Goshawk can be seen soaring through the forest looking for prey year-round. The TRPA, Forest Service and the states of CA and NV have listed the bird as a species of special interest.
Learn more about our partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and find great resources to help you go birding in Zephyr Cove.
