There are several key wildlife areas in Bend. The most important, and most diverse, wildlife area is the riparian corridor and canyon walls along the Deschutes River. The combination of still waters, rapids, the many species of shrubs, bushes, and trees, and the rock outcroppings provide a variety of important habitats and food sources. Wildlife species that inhabit the Deschutes River corridor include: deer, elk, cougar, otter, beaver, mink, raccoon, osprey, red-tailed hawk, bald eagle, kingfisher, trout, whitefish, and several species of reptiles, amphibians, and waterfowl. Although there are many species that occupy the river corridor, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has determined that there are no significant wildlife habitat areas or nesting sites within the urban area that require special land use protection. Even though there are no “significant” wildlife resource areas, because of its value to wildlife and its related benefit to area residents, the river canyon corridors in the south and north parts of the urban area identified as an Area of Special Interest in the Comprehensive Plan and shown on the Plan Land Use Map.

At the west edge of the urban area is Tumalo Creek, a second important riparian and wildlife area. The Bend Park and Recreation District manages about 963 acres along the creek for passive recreation such as hiking and picnicking.

Most of the area along Tumalo Creek is in a more natural condition than the urban portion of the Deschutes River. Because of that, the Tumalo Creek area is a more diverse and complex habitat than the Deschutes River corridor, and supports larger wildlife such as coyote and cougar. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has not identified any significant habitat areas or nesting sites within the city portion of Tumalo Creek that warrant special protection measures.

West of the urban area in the Urban Reserve and adjacent forest lands there are areas where deer and elk herds feed during the winter when they move down to lower elevations out of the deep snow.

The winter range is mainly north of the river, but herds may also move across the river into the southwestern portion of the urban area. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has designated and mapped elk habitat and deer winter range areas, but these designations do not extend into the urban area. Lands within the UGB are not critical to managing the elk herds and maintaining healthy herd populations.

In addition to these two areas, there are many smaller, more separate enclaves of natural features and native vegetation that the community seeks to conserve within developments. Several species of squirrels and chipmunks, lizards, snakes, quail, and many other bird species all find food and shelter in small natural areas and even in patches of natural habitat common to many residential yards.

Besides being beneficial to the wildlife, these habitat areas also provide opportunities for residents and visitors to observe and enjoy the interaction of natural plant, animal, and aquatic communities within our urban area.