Spokane's Urban Wildlife: Coexisting with Nature in a Sustainable City
Spokane, Washington is more than just a city surrounded by forests—it's a living ecosystem where people and wildlife share space every day. From the riverside parks to backyard gardens, the region is home to a surprising diversity of animals, many of which have adapted to urban life in creative ways.
River otters are increasingly spotted in the Spokane River, a sign of improving water quality and healthy riparian habitat.
Wildlife You Might See in Spokane
Even in the heart of the city, Spokane residents regularly encounter:
White-tailed deer browsing in parks and greenbelts
Great horned owls nesting in mature street trees
Beavers building lodges along the Spokane River and Latah Creek
Red foxes and coyotes hunting rodents in vacant lots
Western painted turtles basking on logs in Manito Park ponds
Dozens of native bird species including chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers
These animals are not just visitors—they are part of the urban ecosystem, helping control pests, pollinate plants, and connect people to nature.
Sustainability and Urban Wildlife
As Spokane grows, sustainable practices are key to ensuring wildlife continues to thrive. Here are some ways residents and city planners are making a difference:
Native landscaping: Planting native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers provides food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and small mammals.
Wildlife corridors: Maintaining greenbelts and riparian buffers allows animals to move safely through the city.
Reducing pesticide use: Limiting chemicals in yards and parks protects beneficial insects and the birds that feed on them.
Responsible pet ownership: Keeping cats indoors and dogs leashed helps protect songbirds and small mammals.
Community science: Programs like iNaturalist and local bird counts engage residents in tracking wildlife health and trends.
Challenges and Opportunities
Urban wildlife faces unique challenges, from habitat fragmentation to vehicle collisions. But Spokane's commitment to sustainability offers hope. Restoration projects along the Spokane River, tree planting initiatives, and public education campaigns are helping to create a city where people and wildlife can thrive together.
By supporting native habitats, reducing our ecological footprint, and learning to coexist with our wild neighbors, Spokane can be a model for urban sustainability in the Inland Northwest.
Get Involved
Want to help Spokane's wildlife? Here are a few ways to make a difference:
Join a ConiFriends event to restore native habitat
Participate in local bird or wildlife surveys
Plant native species in your yard or community garden
Advocate for green spaces and wildlife-friendly policies in city planning
Together, we can ensure that Spokane remains a vibrant, sustainable home for both people and wildlife for generations to come.