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Beasts, Birds and Bugs: Meet Some Of The Locals! So with all this natural habitat, you’d expect there to be an equally wide variety of wildlife - and you’d be right! Just as the flora of Wells Gray Country is amongst the most varied in BC, the wildlife which populates the area is also extremely diverse: a huge range of animals is to be found here, thanks mainly to the huge area of land set aside from human interference. The wild nature of the Park makes it an important reserve for many species, such as grizzly and black bear, wolf, cougar, lynx, bobcat, caribou, mountain goat and wolverine. Some have been relocated to re-establish populations in parks elsewhere in North America. But there are also lots of less exotic animals to see, such as martens, otters, mule deer, porcupine, and several types of marmot. The birdlife is equally impressive. Golden eagles and turkey vultures soar above the, hillsides; bald eagles and ospreys are often seen fishing from the lakes, where the haunting cry of the loon echoes over the water, and kingfishers flit along the shores. Steller’s and whiskey-jack jays are common in the forest, along with many types of woodpecker and numerous smaller species. The ‘drumming’ of courting grouse is a frequent refrain, as is the call of several types of owl. Lakes and rivers throughout the area teem with trout - mainly Rainbow and Brook. In late summer, several strains of salmon arrive to spawn in the Clearwater and Raft Rivers after their long journeys upstream: it’s often possible to see them jumping at The Kettle and Bailey’s Chute, and spawning at Raft River. One of Wells Gray’s most famous residents is the moose: in the 1930s, wildfires transformed much of the upper Clearwater Valley into ideal habitat for these impressive beasts. One tame bull was used to assist research into the species’ behaviour: ‘Jerry The Moose’ became the offical mascot of BC Parks, and is now immortalised by a sculpture outside the Wells Gray Info-Centre in Clearwater. Winter is the best time of year to see them, particularly around Green Mountain and MacLeod Hill: cross-country skiers often have to dodge them on the trails! But perhaps the single most popular sight for visitors is a bear in its natural habitat: however, these are potentially dangerous animals, and the thought of them roaming the forest also worries some people. Here's some information on how to ensure your own safety, and that of the bears. |
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Many ‘black’ bears are brown in colour: don’t confuse these ‘cinnamon’ bears with grizzlies, who tend to live in the much more remote areas of the Park, and at higher elevations Many myths are
told about bear behaviour, and their danger to humans.
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The most
important point to remember is that a bear becomes dangerous when it senses a
threat to itself, its cubs, or its food, and there are several simple rules to
avoid this.
When out on the trails, be alert, and make noise as you go: shout, clap, or wear
a bell (don’t whistle, which may sound to a bear like its ground- squirrel
prey). Keep children and pets under close control: they may make sudden
movements or noises, which might provoke some bears. Watch for signs of recent
bear activity, such as fresh droppings, tracks, diggings, and claw or bite marks
on trees. If you see a bear in the distance, use binoculars to ‘get closer’ -
but be aware that even this type of eye-contact may be interpreted as a threat.
Stay well away from dead animals, and from anywhere which shows any sign of
nearby carrion. |
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Bears are often seen along roadsides, where the vegetation is lush. This brings
them into risk of harm from vehicles, and people stopping to watch them may also
create dangerous situations in the excitement of the encounter.
When camping in bear-country, remember that bears are both naturally very
curious, and attracted to ‘interesting’ smells of all types! Try to eliminate
all odours from yourself, your camp, your clothes, and your vehicle. Store food
so that bears cannot smell or reach it: use the steel food-caches where
available. Don't keep food or anything which smells (such as toothpaste,
deodorant, or cosmetics) in a tent, and keep your site clean and clear of all
items not being used at the time. Please dispose of garbage and grey-water as
required by campsite regulations. In the back-country, there are several more
steps to be taken to minimise the possibility of bears being drawn to your camp.
Please ensure that you’re familiar with the additional rules which apply:
details are available from the info-centre and park staff.
Think Cool,
Think Calm: Don’t Panic!
Remember - whatever Yogi may say, even your average bear is pretty darn’ smart! |
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