Oregon is a wonderful place to enjoy seeing wildlife that you might not usually see. The state boasts some of the most beautiful and lush forests, incredible mountain ranges, and breathtaking waterways. They also have National Wildlife Refuges where you can see even more wildlife. But what can you see in your own backyard, and do you need to be cautious about what you see?

Birds 

Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful birds. Robins, Anna’s Hummingbirds, and Spotted Towhees are just a few that you’ll see daily. The neat thing is that most of these birds that you’ll see are common in Oregon, and they love to appear at different times of the year. For instance, in winter, you’ll see Anna’s Hummingbird flying around. In warmer months, you’ll see birds like the Northern Flicker and Song Sparrow. It can make going into your backyard an adventure every day. 

Snakes 

If you don’t like snakes, you might be surprised how often they appear in Portland backyards. They love the sun and rocky areas. The most common are different species of garter snakes, which are highly abundant in suburban areas. Oregon is home to the western rattlesnake, which is poisonous, but if you live in Portland, it’s rare to see one. However, if you live in eastern or southern Oregon, keep your eyes peeled. Another great tip is to wear boots. 

Smaller Mammals 

Rabbits are common in Oregon, as are squirrels, raccoons, and even skunks. While the skunks aren’t something that you’re going to want to see (they’re not as cute as in the movies), the rabbits and other small animals are adorable, though you’ll still need to be careful. If you’ve got healthy soil, you’ll also see voles, moles, or opossums. Gophers are also common and can be aggressive, so be cautious. 

Coyotes 

You won’t see these in major cities (or if you do, it’s rare), but you’ll see them if you live near greener areas. The Canis Latrans is the most common coyote that you’ll see in Portland. They’re native to the area, and are typically non-aggressive, though not all of them are, and some can be dangerous. They love urban areas and are generally shy, but they have been venturing out into backyards in search of food, water, or shelter.

Bugs 

Of course, in a backyard, you’re going to see bugs. Pollinators are common, including butterflies, honeybees, and others that thrive in gardens and enjoy flowers. You’ll also see ladybugs and other harmless bugs, but you can also see predatory ones like wasps. 

Frogs 

If you have water features in your backyard, you’ll likely see frogs. You might also see salamanders and turtles. The interesting thing is that the other animals we’ve mentioned will also like the water feature because it will provide fresh water for them to drink. 

Ducks 

If you live near water, you’ve got a good chance to see waterfowl like geese, ducks, and other shorebirds. While most ducks are not aggressive, some can be, so you’ll need to be careful to avoid getting hurt. 

Rare Animals

Black bears don’t typically appear in backyards, though it does happen occasionally. They will generally show up in larger areas near forests. Over the years, the sightings have been on the rise.  Another animal that you’ll see more rarely is the black-tailed deer. They are most commonly found in the western areas of Oregon. 

Tips 

If you’re looking to create a safe environment for the chance to see more wildlife, consider providing a shelter of brush piles or hollow logs. You can also create a garden with native plant species, and you’ll begin to see butterflies and other species of wildlife begin to make your home theirs. While most of the animals on this list are not poisonous, some are, so you’ll have to be careful to ensure that you’re family doesn’t get hurt. 

Keep in mind that animals can be secretive, so you might not always see them, and you’ll have to be patient. In my backyard a few years ago, I saw an entire family of rabbits, but as soon as they saw me, they would run away because they were shy. Your animals will probably be the same, but if you’re patient, you can get some pictures. 

Have Fun!

Having a backyard that makes animals feel like home can be a great thing. Now that you know some of the things that can show up in your backyard, you can have a great time trying to find them all. Be sure to take lots of pictures!