Mammals:
* Bears: Black bears and grizzly bears are common in the valley.
* Wolves: Wolves are making a comeback in the area.
* Deer: Mule deer and white-tailed deer inhabit the forests.
* Elk: Elk are found in the higher elevations.
* Beavers: Beavers are active in the valley's waterways.
* Mountain goats: These animals inhabit the higher slopes.
* Mountain lions: These elusive predators are found in the area.
* Smaller mammals: Rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and other small mammals are also present.
Birds:
* Bald eagles: The Khutzeymateen is a renowned nesting site for bald eagles.
* Osprey: These fish-eating birds are common along the river.
* Ducks: Various species of ducks, including mallards, wood ducks, and mergansers, are found in the valley.
* Geese: Canada geese and other species of geese use the area for migration and breeding.
* Songbirds: A variety of songbirds, such as warblers, flycatchers, and sparrows, inhabit the forests and meadows.
Fish:
* Salmon: The Khutzeymateen is famous for its abundant runs of Pacific salmon, including chinook, coho, sockeye, and pink salmon.
* Trout: Rainbow trout and cutthroat trout live in the valley's rivers and lakes.
* Other fish: Other fish species, such as char, Dolly Varden, and sticklebacks, are also present.
Reptiles and Amphibians:
* Garter snakes: Garter snakes are common in the valley.
* Frogs: Various species of frogs, such as the Pacific tree frog and the western toad, are present.
Insects:
* Butterflies: The valley is home to a variety of butterflies, including the monarch butterfly and the swallowtail butterfly.
* Bees: Honeybees and other pollinators are important to the valley's ecosystem.
* Moths: A variety of moths, including the luna moth and the giant silk moth, are found in the area.
This is just a small sample of the incredible diversity of life found in the Khutzeymateen Valley. The area is a true wilderness gem, providing a home for a wide range of species, many of which are endangered or threatened.
