Spokane, Washington, is a thriving city located in the eastern part of the state near the border of Idaho. Ranked no. 19 among the fastest-growing places, Spokane has received accolades for its recent growth and vibrant downtown restaurants, performance venues, breweries, and wineries. The Spokane River runs right through the downtown area and is flanked by Riverfront Park, offering residents and tourists entertainment, along with an outdoor venue for biking, walking, and hanging out.
With plenty of incorporated green spaces, Spokane has access to numerous lakes and mountains nearby. The city is surrounded by smaller communities with residents who commute to the city for work, serviced by I-90 and several smaller routes that intersect the region. Spokane’s motto, “Near Nature, Near Perfect,” expresses its allure for people and businesses, but it also holds for wildlife.
It’s hard for any city to grow without disturbing the habitats of the wildlife around it, and Spokane is no exception. While its surrounding landscapes range from basalt columns to mountain lakes perfect for wildlife, these places have become destinations for residents and tourists looking for outdoor recreation. Wildlife adapts to these intrusions by likewise adapting to our habitats, learning that urban and suburban life provides them with easy access to food, water, and shelter.