One of the best parts of a North Shore getaway is never knowing what wildlife you might spot while you're here! Guests often see bald eagles soaring over Lake Superior or deer along the roads, but there are plenty of reasons to keep your eyes open during your stay at Bluefin Bay.
Here are a few of the North Shore residents you might encounter!
Bald Eagles
How common? Very common
Where to look: Along the Lake Superior shoreline and high in the treetops
Bald eagles are a regular sight around Bluefin Bay. Look up while you're relaxing along the lake, hiking or driving Highway 61 and you may spot one soaring overhead.
White-Tailed Deer
How common? Very common
Where to look: Roadsides, forest edges and even around the resort
Deer are one of the animals you're most likely to see during your stay. They're especially active around dawn and dusk, so keep an eye out during early-morning and evening drives.
Black Bears
How common? Occasional
Where to look: Forested areas and quieter roads
Black bears live throughout northeastern Minnesota, but they generally prefer to avoid people. If you're lucky enough to see one, give it plenty of space and enjoy the experience from a distance.
Moose
How common? Uncommon, but possible!
Where to look: Inland roads like the Sawbill Trail or the Gunflint Trail, wetlands and quieter areas away from the shoreline
Seeing a moose is a true North Shore bucket-list experience. You're generally more likely to encounter one farther inland, but they have also been known to cross the highway in the early mornings.
Red Foxes
How common? Occasional
Where to look: Roadsides, clearings and forest edges
Red foxes can be found throughout the North Shore. Early mornings and evenings are good times to watch for their unmistakable red coats and bushy tails.
River Otters
How common? Occasional
Where to look: Lake Superior, rivers and streams
Keep an eye on the water! River otters can occasionally be spotted swimming, diving and playing along the shoreline and in nearby waterways. Guests have seen them numerous times on our guided hike to the Cascade River.
Beavers
How common? Common, but easier to find signs of them
Where to look: Ponds, rivers and wetlands
You might notice evidence of a beaver before seeing the animal itself. Look for dams, lodges and trees with freshly gnawed trunks near calm waterways.
Loons & Other Birds
How common? Very common
Where to look: Lake Superior, inland lakes and throughout the forest
In addition to bald eagles, keep an eye out for common loons, hawks, ravens, pileated woodpeckers and many other North Shore birds. Spring and fall are especially exciting times for birdwatching as migrating birds travel along Lake Superior.
Gray Wolves
How common? Rare to see
Where to look: Remote forested areas
Wolves live throughout northeastern Minnesota, but they're elusive and typically avoid people. A wild wolf sighting is a rare and memorable North Shore experience.
Canada Lynx
How common? Very rare
Where to look: Remote northern forests
Canada lynx call northeastern Minnesota home, but spotting one is extremely uncommon. Even if you never see one, it's pretty incredible knowing these secretive cats roam the forests surrounding the North Shore.
Tips for Spotting Wildlife
Often, the best wildlife sightings happen when you're not looking for them. You might spot an eagle from your balcony, a deer on your morning walk or an otter swimming along the shoreline.
That's part of the fun of staying on Lake Superior. You never know what you'll see at Bluefin Bay.