Custer National Forest provides habitat to a diverse wildlife population. Big-game species found in the area include elk, mule and whitetail deer, antelope, cougar and bobcats. Naturalists and photographers can also see a variety of songbirds, hawks, eagles and owls.
Other wildlife include merlins, turkeys, gophers, chipmunks, porcupine, woodchucks, rabbits and squirrels.