Habitat is what animals call "home" or their "life's range" and must include food, water, shelter (or cover), and space in order for them to survive. These elements must be arranged in such a way that all the elements are available to the animal. Cover must include escape cover, winter cover, cover to rear young, and even cover in which to play!

You can't talk about an animal without referring to its habitat and this is especially true when trying to manage the survival of an animal. Habitat is the key to fish and wildlife management in Montana.

Below you'll find a map of the main types of habitat … and a 7th habitat type, our streams, lakes, and ponds.