The ermine, which is also known as a stoat or a short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) is a member of the family which also includes badgers, otters, ferrets, wolverines and other carnivorous mammals.  This animal is referred to as an ermine during the winter when its fur is pure white with a black tipped tail, during

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) are one of several native species of grouse in Idaho. This medium sized bird generally weighs between 1- 1.5 pounds, with very little size difference between the male and female birds. Ruffed grouse are either grey or brown morph – which describes their general coloring – although both morphs are well

The Coeur d’Alene Salamander (Plethodon idahoensis) is one of just five native species of salamanders and newts in Idaho. First discovered on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene in 1939, this salamander is on of the few amphibians found in North Idaho. The Coeur d’Alene Salamander is small and slender, with an average length of

Did you know that Idaho is home to the Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)? This unique mammal is native to much of Idaho, but as it prefers coniferous forests as its home, it is most commonly found in the northern parts of our state. The northern flying squirrel is usually a light brown or reddish

Dragonflies are native to almost every where on Earth, in Idaho, our most common native dragonfly species is the Common Green Darner (anax junius). Dragonflies are easily recognized by their long slender body and two pairs of wings set close to the head. Dragonflies can be distinguished from damselflies in rest – dragonflies will hold

White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is Idaho’s largest native fish species, as well as the largest freshwater fish in North America. White sturgeon have a shark-like appearance, with about 45 rays in the dorsal fin. Their coloring ranges from gray to brownish, with white dots along the length of the fish. White sturgeon average about 7 feet