Northern Minnesota is not only known for its lake and forests. Increasingly, people also come here to see the region's abundant wildlife. From moose to bears, to wolves, to one of North America's most diverse populations of breeding birds, recent visitor surveys show that northwoods wildlife watching is now one of the major reasons people come to the area, both to visit and to live.

While seeing wild animals always involves an element of luck, there are things you can do to increase your chances of spotting certain kinds of wildlife.

In general, the best time to see most wild animals is at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Try an early morning or evening drive along any of several wildlife watching hot spots to increase your chances of having a wild encounter.

While more common animals, such as deer and fox, can be seen along most roadways, Highway 1, south of Ely is generally your best bet if you're hoping to spot a moose. During the summer, moose spend a lot of time feeding in wetlands and ponds, so be sure to check out such locations along Highway 1. A wetland just south of the Highway 2 turnoff is frequently inhabited by moose. Another good place to look for moose is the so-called "Moose Loop" gravel road on the Echo Trail just past the Moose River. Take your time while traveling these roads, and stop and check out the shoreline of lakes and ponds, preferably with binoculars. Even if you don't spot moose, you're likely to see other kinds of wildlife.

If you do spot moose or other wildlife from your car, stay in the car, if possible. Many animals are afraid of humans, but don't feel as threatened by cars. By staying in your car, you are more likely to be able to watch an animal before it slinks off into the brush.

If you see a wild animal while on foot, stand quietly and watch the animal with binoculars, if possible. While we haven't had cases of aggressive wildlife in northern Minnesota, there is always a first time. Be sure to give wildlife plenty of space and a route of escape if they get nervous- even animals such as deer can be dangerous. In fact, far more people are killed each year by deer in the United States than by bears or wolves.

Birdwatching

The Superior National Forest and northern Minnesota provide habitat for over 300 species of birds. Of these, 220 are seen annually in the area and over 100 species nest here. Local bird expert Bill Tefft, an instructor at Vermilion Community College, has some recommendations for people hoping to view wild birds. According to Tefft, birders should check out Shagawa Lake in Ely, Lake Vermilion, near Tower, and Pelican Lake in Orr for loons, eagles, ospreys and a variety of ducks. The Spruce Road, located about seven miles south of Ely on Highway 1, provides birders with good access to boreal forest habitat for birds, especially warblers and black-backed woodpeckers.

Wolves and bears

While the northwoods is the best place in the lower 48 states to view wild wolves, and one of the best places to reliably see bears, spotting either of these animals in the wild is a hit or miss proposition. Fortunately, both the International Wolf Center, in Ely, and the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, near Orr, provide excellent opportunities to view these species in a natural setting. The bears at the Shute sanctuary are truly wild, although they have grown used to the presence of people at the feeding site there.

While the wolves at the wolf center are captive, they offer an excellent opportunity to observe wolf behavior close up in their forested enclosure. The center also offers field trips to remote locations near Ely where guides will "howl" for wolves. These trips provide you with a good opportunity to at least hear the wild notes of these fascinating animals.

Wherever you go to view wildlife, remember to stay quiet and remain patient. Many visitors don't see animals because they are too noisy and they expect animals to just jump out in front of them. Wild animals are not that predictable. Enjoy your search-if nothing else, it is a good reason to get into the woods for a while.