The Northwoods of Wisconsin is full of the most gorgeous lakes, trees and hiking trails, but did you know it's also home to some of the most incredible critters! From the Common Loon and the White-Tailed Deer to the breathtaking Bald Eagles and the elusive Black Bear, Minocqua offers animal lovers a chance to "dig in" to the wild, right outside their cabins' doors!
And, if you're really up for an adventure, we'll share how you can also see lions, giraffes and penguins right here in Minocqua! More on that shortly...
Common Loon
Still considered a sign of good luck, sighting one of these red-eyed beauties is a real treat, especially while drifting along Amber Lake with a fishing pole in hand. The Common Loon is a water-diving bird and naturally found near Birch Trail Resort. They are large with black and white spotted (almost checkered-like) bodies and sharp, dagger-like bills. Their call is unmistakable, yet by the time you glance in the call's direction, they may already be deep underwater catching their next meal. But don't look away just yet, after a minute or so, they'll pop back up for a breath of air so get your camera ready!
White-Tailed Deer
A staple in the Northwoods, these majestic critters are the most fun to watch! Likely viewed during your morning coffee on the porch or your evening barbeque at the picnic table, the deer in the area are always busying about. As they graze along the grasses of the forest, you may just spot a little fawn hanging out by it's mother, the doe. White-tailed deer are distinguishable by...you guessed it...their white tails. They are a medium-sized deer with reddish-brown coat and big, black, friendly eyes. While staying at Birch Trail Resort, you're almost guaranteed to see many!
Bald Eagle
Needing no description or historical context, as most people are very familiar with them being the national bird and all, these beauties are everywhere up north. Imagine sun-tanning on a lounge chair down at the beach when you glance up after hearing the eagle's call. You see a wide-wing spanned bird gliding in the air as graceful as a dancer. Time to take a picture! Once a rare sight to see due to their endangered status nation-wide, Bald Eagles are now a staple up north that everyone seems to enjoy!
Black Bear
Living in Minocqua, I can only admit to seeing a bear one time as it crossed the road along Hwy 51. I know people who've lived here their entire lives who haven't seen one yet. So, if you happen to catch a glimpse of these elusive animals, consider yourself blessed and highly favored! Also, keep your distance. Black bears are typically very calm in nature, wobbling along in search of food and a good tree to scratch their backs on. Give them their space, admire them from afar and do your best to get a picture...or else no one will believe you!
Wildwood Wildlife Park
And now to the lions and tigers and bears - oh my! A sure-fire way to see an expansive selection of animals while vacationing in the Northwoods, is to make a day out of Minocqua's local petting zoo. No, you won't be petting the lions, but you will get to pet a ton of other animals.
From their website, "Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari is home to over 1,700 animals and 229 species!... Check out some of the world’s largest, rarest, and most impressive animals, including Giraffes, Zebras, Bongo, Arabian Oryx and more! Don’t forget to take a ride on the Safari Tram and enjoy the guided 30-minute tour viewing magnificent animals including Kudu, Nyala, Beisa Oryx, Scimitar Oryx, Wildebeest, Eland and more. Or swing into the primate world where you will find the playful Gibbons and the loud Siamangs entertaining you. After that, waddle on down to the African penguins, where they will come and greet you up close!"
Birch Trail Resort Bed & Breakfast is the perfect respite after a day of exploring the incredible wildlife here in Minocqua! Offering cozy accommodations, modern amenities and plenty of wildlife viewing, Birch Trail is the first step in planning your adventure today! Give us a call at 715-588-1962.
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