In total, 52 out of the slightly above 60 animal (mammals) species of Latvia have been registered in the territory of the park. There is a dense network of hiking, cycling, and canoeing routes in the park, thus creating access to nearly every spot in the park, except for the nature reserve zones.
Most of the animal species live a reserved lifestyle and are hard to spot. But not all. Roe deer is often seen looking for fodder on the fields, as well as hunting foxes are found in the Gauja National Park. Drivers often see elks walking over the roads. Although there are many stags in the park, these are infrequently seen. Anglers, canoe paddlers, and individual hikers might come across beavers on the riversides and other water bodies. Even a less careful watcher cannot walk by the traces of beavers — gnawed off trees, trampled paths, beaver dams, and branches with traces by woodpeckers. However, no one can promise animals will be met for sure. You might be lucky and come across otters while paddling on smaller rivers or walking quietly along the riverside. The “big three” — bear, lynx, and wolf are sometimes observed in the park, but you might rather see the footprints of lynx and wolf. The twelve bat species registered in the park spend the winter in caves and basements. Bats are best spotted in the evenings in late summer when they are feeding on insects close to ponds or other water bodies. Bats appreciate presence of old and large trees, which is their natural habitat. They are observed not only in manor parks, but also in urban environments, such as the vicinity of Cīrulīši in town Cēsis. There is a 100% guarantee you will see the works by wild boar. And the wild pigs, as well, since there is a large number of them living in the National Park and beyond.