North Cascades National Park Feature

Bald eagles are present year-round along the Skagit River and the various lakes—although in December, hundreds flock to the Skagit to feed on a rare winter salmon run; they remain through January. Black bears are often seen in spring and early summer along the roadsides in the high country, feeding on new green growth. Deer and elk can often be seen in early morning and late evening, grazing and browsing at the forest's edge. Other mountain residents include beaver, marmots, pika, otters, skunks, opossums, and smaller mammals, as well as a variety of forest and field birds.