6 Amazing Animals That Are Endangered and Living In Idaho

Written by Brandi Allred
Published: January 28, 2023
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Idaho, located in the western United States, has a population of just under two million people. This extensive state covers everything from forests and vast river plains to towering mountain chains. Idaho is a popular destination for all manner of outdoor sports, including skiing, river rafting, hiking, camping, and fishing. Further, this wild state is chock full of amazing creatures. Here, we’ll discover six animals that are endangered and living in Idaho, and what you can do to help them.

1. Bruneau Hot Springs Snail (Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis)

They might not be the prettiest, but these animals are vital nonetheless. Bruneau Hot Springs Snails are Critically Endangered, with a decreasing population. They’re also difficult to find, as they grow to a tiny two millimeters long, and live solely in the geothermal waters of Idaho’s Bruneau River. These snails are at risk of extinction due to the loss of groundwater in their native springs, largely due to agricultural needs.

These snails grow to a tiny two millimeters long, and live solely in the geothermal waters of Idaho’s Bruneau River.

©1,024 × 768 pixels, file size: 99 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg – License

2. Variable Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus variabilis)

Now listed as Critically Endangered, variable cuckoo bumblebees are just one of many species of bee currently at risk of extinction. These aren’t your typical bumblebees though. Instead of collecting pollen and building nests, these animals parasitize other bees. That’s right: variable cuckoo bumblebees don’t gather their own food, or even raise their own young. They’re incredibly rare, and face threats from climate change, disease, pollution, and habitat loss. Additionally, pesticides contribute to the declining bumblebee population.

Bombus variabilis is a critically endangered species of cuckoo bumblebee.

The variable cuckoo bumblebee is a parasitic species of cuckoo bumblebee.

©USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory / CC BY 2.0 – License

3 Suckley Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus suckleyi)

Like the variable cuckoo bumblebee, the suckley cuckoo bumble bee is listed as Critically Endangered, with a declining population. Like their cousins, these animals that are endangered and living in Idaho rely on other bees to survive. Suckley cuckoo bumble bees are rare. They’re only in areas with other species of bee. Their primary threats come from loss of habitat to development, forest fires, pollution, climate change, disease, and agricultural practices. Once living far and wide across North America and Idaho, Suckley cuckoo bumble bees are now a rare sighting.

Bombus suckleyi, Suckley's cuckoo bumblebee

Suckley cuckoo bumble bees are rare; they’re found only in areas with other species of bee.

©iStock.com/Wirestock

4. Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus)

Colloquially known as chippers, squirrels, or even simply ground squirrels, northern Idaho ground squirrels are extremely rare. These animals that are endangered and living in Idaho can be found in only two western Idaho counties: Adams County, and Valley County. With fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild, the future of these rodents is anything but certain. Northern Idaho ground squirrel populations have declined by over 80% in the past few decades. Some of their biggest threats come from loss of habitat due to development (residential, commercial, etc), agricultural practices, overhunting, forest fires, and climate change. Further, Northern Idaho ground squirrels occur only in plains and grasslands.

Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel

Colloquially known as chippers, squirrels, or even simply ground squirrels, northern Idaho ground squirrels are extremely rare.

©Nature’s Charm/Shutterstock.com

5. Columbia River Tiger Beetle (Cicindela columbica)

These animals that are endangered and living in Idaho live only in the fresh waters of the Columbia and Snake River systems. Further, Columbia river tiger beetles occupy a very specific part of the river. That is, established sand bars along the river’s margins that do not flood with the spring meltwater. These beetles rely on their sandy, sparsely vegetated environment to live. Because of this, they’re highly vulnerable to things like flooding from dams, drought, and climate change. Additionally, Columbia River tiger beetles face threats from human recreational use of the environment, which may cause habitat damage.

Cicindela oregona

Similar to Columbia River Tiger Beetle, the Western Tiger Beetle shares many of the same features.

©Ernie Cooper/Shutterstock.com

6. Morrison Bumble Bee (Bombus morrisoni)

Listed as Vulnerable, these bumble bees once occupied most of the western United States. These animals that are endangered and living in Idaho are mostly yellow, with black wings, legs, and eyes. Unlike cuckoo bumble bees, Morrison bumble bees actually feed themselves, and raise their own young. They don’t parasitize other bees, and are active and important pollinators wherever they live. Climate change negatively impacts Morrison bumble bees. They’re also vulnerable to habitat loss due to human development, agricultural practices (such as the use of pesticides), and forest fires.

Morrison's Bumble Bee

Morrison bumble bees are thought to be negatively impacted by climate change.

©2,048 × 1,536 pixels, file size: 1.91 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg – License

Conclusion

These days, it might seem like just about every creature on our planet is facing extinction to one degree or another. But, it’s important to remember that even you can do your part to help conserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. When it comes to endangered animals in Idaho, there are several steps you can take. First, if you’re able, try planting a bee and butterfly friendly garden. This typically means adding flowering plants and shrubs to your yard or garden—local nurseries often sell bee and butterfly seed mixes for just such a purpose. Additionally, take steps to understand what conservation is, and what it means to you.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Nature's Charm/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Brandi is a professional writer by day and a fiction writer by night. Her nonfiction work focuses on animals, nature, and conservation. She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What insect previously could be found all over the country and is now rarely seen?

Once found far and wide across North America and Idaho, Suckley cuckoo bumble bees are now only rarely seen.

What has caused the decline in Northern Idaho ground squirrel population?

Northern Idaho ground squirrel populations have declined by over 80% in the past few decades. Some of their biggest threats come from loss of habitat due to development (residential, commercial, etc), agricultural practices, overhunting, forest fires, and climate change. Further, Northern Idaho ground squirrels occur only in plains and grasslands.

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