Copper Harbor is hidden in the far north against a backdrop of lakes, mountains and pristine forest. It is the home of numerous wildlife species.

Over 300 species of birds draw birders to Keweenaw County. From the crest of Brockway Mountain you can see up to 20 species of raptors in a single day during the spring migration. The Estivant Pines, a remnant virgin stand of pines, provides habitat to resident warblers like the Parula, Black-throated Green, Cape May, and several others. Merlins, American bald eagles as well as Osprey nest close to Copper Harbor.

Over 450 species of wildflowers, orchids, mosses, lichens, liverworts and ferns are found here among the stands of northern hardwoods, pine and cedar. Wildflowers abound from spring until fall. From ephemerals such as Round-lobed Hepatica to late blooming St. Johnswort, the Copper Harbor area offers diverse wildflower habitats.

Whitetail Deer, Porcupine, Red Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Least chipmunk, American marten, Ermine, Fisher, River otter, Coyote, Grey wolf, Bobcat, Snow-shoe hare and Red fox are just a few of the mammals you may see while in the area. And of course the American Black Bear, the animal we all hope to get a glimpse of. One might see a bear crossing the road or on a hiking trail. If he sees you first, all your likely to see is his rear end as he flees the area.

The cedar swamps and ponds host many amphibians; American toad, Green frog, Wood frog and Mink frog just to name a few. One harbinger of spring many look forward to each year is the chorus of the Spring peepers making their presence known to all.

Common butterflies to the area are Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Milbert's Tortoise Shell, Painted Lady, Mourning Cloak, White Admiral and Red Admiral. Some of the interesting moths you may see are Luna, Cecropia and Polyphemus. The White-lined Sphinx visits flowers around dusk. It hovers and flies forward and backwards with fast beating wings. It appears to be a hummingbird, until you look closely and see it antennae and 6 legs!