While elk are the primary reason for the Refuge, other animals of the high country are found in the area year-round, or during seasonal migration to and from surrounding areas. Moose, bighorn sheep, bison, and mule deer are found on the refuge (generally in winter) and coyotes, badgers and Uinta ground squirrels are often seen. Other common wildlife species include muskrats, beaver, porcupines, longtail weasels, and voles or meadow mice. Nearly 175 species of birds have been observed on the Refuge. Waterfowl commonly seen on pond and marsh areas include the mallard, pintail, gadwall, Barrow's goldeneye, bufflehead, green-winged and cinnamon teal and Canada geese. For a birding highlight, stop at the Flat Creek Marsh along US Highway 26 and look for nesting trumpeter swans and their young.

Bald eagles, ravens and magpies are common winter birds and, like the coyotes, are scavengers of elk that have died during the winter. Hawks include the kestrel, harrier, red-tailed, Swainson's and rough legged. You may even catch a glimpse of a golden eagle. During summer months the marsh edges attract long-billed marsh wrens, yellow-headed blackbirds and yellowthroats, while sandhill cranes and long-billed curlews are found in open marshes or grassy meadows.

What makes the Refuge a home for such a diversity of wildlife? It is due primarily to habitat. The Refuge encompasses areas of grassy meadows and marshes along the valley floor, timbered areas along the Gros Ventre River, and sagebrush and rock outcroppings along the foothills. A diversity of food and shelter provides for the rich mixture of wildlife species found at the National Elk Refuge.