BIODIVERSITY
WILDLIFE
A variety of wilelife can be encountered on or near the summit of Mount Harrison.
Mule deer are frequently seen browsing on native grasses and shrubs. Mountain lions
are occasional visitors to the area. Golden mantled ground squirrils and pocket
gophers and some other common residents. Coyotes spend time below the summit
searching for prey species. Idaho's only known population of the tiny fairy shrimp
is found in the dry lake below the summit.
BIRDS
There are many birds species that can be observed on Mount Harrison. Mountain bluebirds can be seen darting for insects
near the lookout. Raptors, including American Kestrels, Northern Harriers, and Red Tailed Hawks, can be observed riding the
thermal air currents. Rock wrens, dark eyed juncos, and pine siskins also frequent the summit. If you are lucky, you may even see
an occasional owl or hummingbird.
PLANTS
There is a wide diversity of plant species that can be enjoyed on Mount Harrison.
Tree species just below the summit, include subalpine fir, limber pine, and mountain
mahogany. Shrub communities are dominated by Mountain big sagebrush and
low sagebrush. Davis wavewing is known from only two high elevation sites,
Mount Harrison and Cache Peak. Idaho's highest-elevation population of
Simmon's Hedgehog cactus is found just above Pomerelle Ski Area.
