Category Archives: mammals

  The North American red squirrel is our most common tree squirrel. It is generally a solitary creature. It will only be with other red squirrels when the female nurses pups or when it mates. The oestrus period for the … Continue reading →

  We certainly have grizzly bears in the West Kootenay. Yet we practically never see them on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, which has a fair number of homes. Presumably, grizzlies just avoid people. Joanne Siderius, the Senior Naturalist … Continue reading →

  A red squirrel found a reddish berry and hauled it away to eat. (But, I have been unable to determine what the species of berry it is. It seems that no reddish berries are yet in season here.) The … Continue reading →

  Deer grow their antlers anew each year. And although it is variable, the new antler buds usually appear in April. Yesterday, I saw a male white-tailed deer with antler buds. A deer’s antlers are the fastest growing animal tissue … Continue reading →

  Yellow-bellied marmots are back out of hibernation. I think that only the adults are visible at present. Soon there will be mating, and then, after about 30 days of gestation, we will see pups nursing. A marmot watches the … Continue reading →

  This posting just celebrates a visit of a marten. Of the two species of martens found in B.C., this is probably the pine marten.  The marten travels over the snow. Photo by Cynthia. It climbs a rowan tree and … Continue reading →

  The coyote is a reasonably common animal in our area, but is rarely seen. This morning’s coyote was the first I have seen for nearly three years.  This coyote looks really heathy with its thick winter fur coat.  

  I suppose that I am just partial to otters. This is the fourth time I have seen them this year, and the third time this fall, although I suspect they have been nearby more often. This time four otters … Continue reading →