NAKISKA BEAR RANCH - CLEARWATER, BC - KANADA
Wild Neighbours of Nakiska – Discover the Wildlife Around the Ranch
At Nakiska Bear Ranch, the wilderness isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of daily life. Surrounded by the untamed beauty of Wells Gray Provincial Park, our ranch is home to, and visited by, an incredible variety of wildlife. From curious ground squirrels and soaring hawks to majestic moose, shy cougars, and the occasional wandering black bear, every season brings new encounters.
Some animals live here year-round, while others pass through on their seasonal journeys, each adding to the rich and ever-changing tapestry of life around the ranch. Whether you see them up close or simply hear their calls in the distance, the wildlife of Nakiska is a constant reminder that we share this land with some of Canada’s most remarkable creatures.
Cougars
Cougars, also known as mountain lions, roam the vast wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park and occasionally pass through Nakiska Bear Ranch or along nearby hiking trails. Spotting one is an extremely rare and special experience, as these shy and elusive big cats are masters of staying hidden. They move silently through forests and across ridges, avoiding human contact while playing an important role in maintaining the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Most visitors will never see them — but knowing they are out there adds a thrilling sense of wildness to the landscape.
Black Bears
Black bears are regular visitors to the area around Nakiska Bear Ranch, especially when our berry bushes and apple trees are in season. Drawn by the sweet scent of ripe fruit, these curious foragers often wander through the property in search of an easy meal. While they are fascinating to watch from a safe distance, black bears are wild animals and deserve our respect.
Their visits are a reminder that we share this land with remarkable wildlife, and that living here means embracing the natural rhythms of the seasons.
Ground Squirrels
The lively ground squirrels of Nakiska Bear Ranch are constant sources of entertainment. These quick and curious little animals dart through the grass, pop up from their burrows, and chatter away as if sharing the latest ranch gossip. Always busy, they can be seen gathering seeds, chasing each other in playful sprints, or standing upright to keep watch over their tiny kingdom. Their cheerful presence adds a lighthearted charm to the ranch and reminds us that even the smallest residents have big personalities.
Hawks
Hawks are a striking presence at Nakiska Bear Ranch, gliding effortlessly over the fields and forest in search of prey. In the quiet of the early morning, their sharp calls ring out across the landscape, as if they’re greeting the rising sun and welcoming a new day. These skilled hunters patrol the skies with keen eyes, swooping gracefully to catch small animals below.
Their wild cries and powerful flight are a daily reminder of the untamed beauty that surrounds the ranch.
Cojotes
Coyotes are clever and adaptable residents of the forests around Nakiska Bear Ranch. They hunt mice, rabbits, and other small animals, and during hay season, you might spot them trotting across freshly cut fields behind the tractor, taking advantage of the easy prey exposed by the mowing. In the evenings, their haunting howls sometimes echo so loudly through the valley that we have to close the windows to get some sleep.
Whether seen in action or heard in the distance, coyotes are a vivid reminder of the wild spirit that thrives here.
Moose
Moose are occasional but unforgettable visitors to Nakiska Bear Ranch. While they don’t make their home directly on the property, they often pass through in spring and autumn as they move between feeding grounds. Towering and majestic, these gentle giants may be seen striding across the meadows or along the forest edge, especially in the early morning or evening.
Spotting a moose on the move over Nakiska is always a special moment — a rare glimpse into the quiet, seasonal migrations of the wild.
Deer
Deer are graceful and frequent residents of the forests surrounding Nakiska Bear Ranch. Often seen grazing at the edge of the trees or quietly moving through the meadows, they bring a sense of calm and elegance to the landscape. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to spot them, their soft silhouettes blending with the shadows.
Living so close to these gentle animals is a daily reminder of the peaceful coexistence between the ranch and the wildlife that calls this land home.
Elk
Elk were absent from the Wells Gray area for many years, and sightings around Nakiska Bear Ranch were extremely rare. Recently, however, these magnificent and powerful animals have begun to return. The reasons for their comeback remain a mystery, but their presence is a welcome sign for the ranch and the surrounding forests.
Seeing an elk — tall, strong, and moving with quiet confidence — is a truly special experience, reminding us of the resilience of nature and the enduring wild spirit of this land.
Wolfes
Wolves roam the vast wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park, though they are rarely seen near Nakiska Bear Ranch. Living and hunting deep in the forests, they lead lives largely hidden from human eyes. From time to time, their distant howls carry across the valleys, a haunting reminder that these elusive predators are always out there, shaping the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Even without seeing them, knowing that wolves share this land adds a powerful sense of wildness to the ranch’s surroundings.
Grizzlys
Grizzly bears live in very small numbers within Wells Gray Provincial Park, and while their presence is a vital part of the ecosystem, it’s rare to see them near Nakiska Bear Ranch. These intelligent and powerful animals live quiet, solitary lives—hunting for prey, foraging for berries in summer, and feasting on salmon in the autumn.
Their elusive nature means most visitors will never spot one, but knowing they roam the park adds a profound sense of respect for the wild and untamed heart of this land.
Eagles & Ospreys
Eagles and ospreys are frequent visitors to Nakiska Bear Ranch, soaring high above the property in search of prey. Sometimes they perch majestically on a great old cottonwood tree near the ranch—a tree that, without their watchful presence, might have fallen long ago. These powerful birds of prey add both beauty and life to the landscape, their sharp eyes scanning the fields and rivers, their calls carrying on the wind.
Seeing them glide overhead or rest in the cottonwood is always a reminder of the deep connection between the land, its wildlife, and the balance of nature.
