Wildlife at Home
A Residence Shared
with Its Neighbors
Local history identifies a century-old elk path through this Pacific Northwest mountain estate. It climbs through the forested lower 80 acres, follows the northern ravine into the residence backyard, then rises toward the western meadow.
Elk may be seen throughout the year—individually or in smaller groups during spring, summer and fall, while much of the herd grazes on higher ground. Winter brings the largest and most dramatic gatherings, when greater numbers emerge among the pines against the ~40 mile Benewah Valley backdrop.
Each spring, mountain bluebirds and barn swallows return to nesting boxes near the residence. Bluebirds gather at feeding stations, while barn swallows catch insects in midair, animating the sky with sweeping arcs. Later in summer, hummingbirds arrive at feeders along the rear porch.
Benewah Estate is shared with an unusually broad range of wildlife—from elk, deer and moose to foxes, badgers, rabbits, raccoons, porcupines, squirrels, ground squirrels and chipmunks—along with wild turkeys, woodpeckers and many other birds. Encountering wildlife does not require a planned expedition; it happens naturally as part of daily life and the land’s own seasonal rhythm. The next owner inherits the rare privilege of continuing the quiet relationship the current owners have cultivated.
Elk · ~40 Mile Benewah Valley View · Residence Backyard
A descendant of one of the area’s original homesteading families identified this route as a long-standing elk path through the property. That local history gives context to the pattern the current owners continue to observe today.
The Corridor
The Property Is an L-Shape.
The Shape Has a Reason.
The property’s L shape is integral to its wildlife pattern. The forested lower 80 acres extend north and downhill through the ravine. Near the residence—~200' above much of this lower ground—the property turns west into the upper 40 acres and open meadow.
Elk move through the estate from timbered lower ground, through the northern ravine and residence backyard, and onto the western meadow, without crossing a public road or neighboring parcel along that observed route.
The advantage is continuity of habitat: forested cover below, a protected ravine through the middle and open high ground above, all within the same 120 acres. ~20,000 trees planted by the current owners further expand forest cover, shelter and habitat across the property.
Cow Moose & Calf · Observed at Benewah Estate
Evidence in Motion
Not Staged.
Not Summoned.
Simply Observed.
These videos were recorded at Benewah Estate from the residence, porch, yard and meadow. No planned encounter. No special occasion. They record the animals as they arrive, feed and move through the property on their own terms.
Their proximity and ease reflect years of quiet, nonthreatening coexistence. Nothing is contained, staged or summoned. The camera simply records what happened here.
Continue Exploring the Estate