Ursus americanus altifrontalis, or the Olympic Black Bear, is a centuries-long native to the Oregon coast. The smaller of the prominent bear species found in North America, this omnivorous forest dweller feeds on a diet that is believed to be three-fourths vegetation, while the remainder is provided by carrion and nested eggs. Though encounters with humans are rare in the Suislaw National Forest, the months following the winter dormancy period sees the black bear wander long stretches of it's known habitat in search of food, prompting a possible encounter by park visitors.
This well-known quadruped is considered one of the largest members of the deer family. Found mainly in both the Cascade region of North America and throughout central Asia, the elk appears almost identical in size and physical characteristics to the Red Deer found in Europe. The Roosevelt elk-the subspecies indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, is one of the four surviving subspecies present in North America. A known herbivore, the 10-foot, 1000-pound Roosevelt elk is thought to have a lifespan of 12-15 years in the wild.
This carnivorous member of the weasel family can be found throughout the waterways and coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest. A hunter by trade, the river otter feeds on birds, reptiles, insects and most prominently the fish found in it's natural habitat. The water-bound animal has been threatened with extinction due to the high demand for it's valuable fur, which has been a staple resource for hunters and trappers throughout North America for several centuries.
The Suislaw National Forest's northern spotted owl is considered a member of the true owl family of birds. The range of this nocturnal bird of prey extends from British Columbia to the Douglas fir forests found in the Northern coastal area of California. There the northern spotted owl's natural habitat overlaps with that of the indigenous California spotted owl. Though recent conservation efforts have raised public awareness, the northern spotted owl is currently classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
