The endangerd bald eagle is a relatively common breeder in this Section. Typical herbivores and carnivores include white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, black bear, bobcat, and cougar. The woodland caribou were historically present within this Section but are now absent. Smaller common herbivores include the snowshoe hare and northern flying squirrel. Herpetofauna typical of this Section are the spotted frog, wood frog, Pacific treefrog, western toad, and long-toed salamander.
Climate is cool temperate with some maritime influence.
While maritime influences are present and winters are relatively mild, outbreaks of arctic air occur frequently in winter. The growing season ranges from 45 to 120 days. Surface Water Characteristics. Several major rivers, including the Yaak and Kootenai, and many perennial streams with dendritic drainage patterns dominate the area. There are many lakes, including Lake Koocanusa and Flathead Lake, as well as bogs, and wetlands.