Know Your Neighbours: Our On Shore Relations

FURTHER READING

BOOK REVIEW

The classic Peterson field guides Mammals and Animal Tracks are excellent references and cover all of North America. But for a much more intimate look into most of our mammals, try Mammals of the Pacific Northwest by Oregon biologist Chris Maser. It only covers mammals that live in Oregon and unfortunately Oregonians wiped out their wolves and grizzlies quite some time ago. However, there are in-depth accounts of all the other species, from bats to bobcats. Not a hollow, glossy coffee table book, this has extensive details of how these critters live, eat, procreate and die, making it an excellent reference for amateur naturalists and anyone who loves wild mammals. Amusing anecdotes (like drunken deer or “Mighty Shrew”) help lighten the tone. Mammals of the Pacific Northwest From the Coast to the High Cascades Chris Maser 1998 Oregon State University Press, 406 pp 0-87071-438-4

MULE DEER Odocoileus hemionus (half ass hollow tooth)

These graceful herbivores will often visit the beach, particularly around dusk, sampling several types of seaweed. Unlike most of the exotics they are decent swimmers and are occasionally seen crossing channels—quite a sight from a kayak. Some islands have dwarf populations, with adults not much bigger than a dog.

DEER MOUSE Peromyscus maniculatus (small handed pointed mouse)

Small and ubiquitous, campers become familiar with these little rodents if we leave food lying about. Though up close they are adorable, they can turn your romantic night in a wilderness cabin into a scurrying, gnawing nightmare.

RACCOON Procyon lotor (washing pre-dog)

Coastal raccoons often make evening or nocturnal trips through the intertidal zone, looking for tasty bits of seafood. They are present on surprisingly small islands and can be pests if ignorant tourists feed them (beware their remarkable dexterity with zippers). Their striking markings and meticulous habits make wild ones fascinating to watch as they feel around in seaweeds and tidepools, snatching up bits of food.

RED SQUIRREL / CHICKAREE Tamiasciurus (shadow tailed storer) hudsonicus/douglasi

These similar looking tree squirrels are often the only mammal you’ll spot on a trip—their harsh chattering makes them easy to detect. They stash mushrooms, leave piles of cone pieces and can sound like MUCH bigger mammals as they root around in dry leaves in the summer and fall.

RIVER OTTER Lutra canadensis (Canadian otter)

Another rare sight in the forests, river otters seem to love the protected seashores of the Northwest. There’s plenty of food for these adept swimmers—you are more likely to see them in the water than on shore. Noisy, boisterous groups are obvious but solitary otters may look at first like a small seal—when they dive, a flick of their tail gives them away. I’ve often seen them catch fish like gunnels and flatfish—they’ll swim bigger meals to shore and noisily munch away.

EXOTICS Various ungulates

Here’s a great idea! Let’s stick a few deer, sheep, pigs and/or goats on these islands, so when we come back, we’ll have something to eat. Colonial sailors spread ungulates like Johny spread apples, and pioneers and farmers carried on the tradition. The ocean makes for cheap fencing so islands were natural pastures—Northwest paddlers will find it easy to spot feral sheep, goats, European and Asian deer and other more exotic species sprinkled through the islands. How you feel about their presence depends on how much you like native wildflowers, which they tend to gobble up.

BLACK BEAR Ursus americanus (American bear)

“Black” bears seem to symbolize the best and worst of our big wildlife. Many people are terrified of them. The white kermode individuals of the North Coast are called “spirit bears” and treated with respect and awe. Yet these powerful and intelligent omnivores are also drawn to garbage and dumps, fed picnic baskets in the park and fearlessly approached by ignorant, wannabe photographers. If the last set of campers on that remote island you arrive at were careless or stupid, you might have to go to extreme lengths to cache your food. But if a wild bear has never had a reason to associate people with food, then an encounter is a rare and exhilarating experience.

GRIZZLY BEAR Ursus horribilis (horrible bear)

Kayaks are great because you don’t really want to be on shore and see a wild grizzly—certainly not up close. They are huge, and though they eat mostly vegetation (with seasonal salmon feasts) they can be decidedly grouchy. People call them unpredictable, but they are predictably more irritable than black bears and more likely to take toothy offense to your presence. They usually stick with the mainland coast, not the islands, which is probably good because camping in grizzly country necessitates meticulous care with food and other odorous stuff. They don’t like civilization at all and have been driven from much of their former range— real grizzly country is a rare and thrilling place to be, the ultimate in North American wilderness.

MOUNTAIN LION Felis concolor (same colored cat)

These large, tawny cats with long tails are unmistakable—and very shy. Terrifying stories of cougar attacks on humans are remarkably rare, especially considering their predatory nature. Unlike bears, they are true carnivores and rarely eat anything but meat. I would dearly love to see one from a kayak, but if you do see one from shore, stand tall, speak softly and consider yourself privileged—they are the North American epitome of grace and power.

GRAY WOLF Canis lupus (wolf dog)

Few animals have come to symbolize wilderness more than gray wolves. Intelligent, cooperative predators with mournful howls and a taste for deer and elk, they also have enough of a resemblance to our beloved pet doggies to stir our hearts on numerous levels. Though wildlife photography and art are saturated with them, they are remarkably shy and a rare sight in the wild. Wolves live throughout the coast and islands though, and are perhaps best spotted on remote beaches—keep your eyes peeled when you paddle around that headland, particularly near dusk or dawn.

BATS Myotis (mouse ear) & others)

Myotis (mouse ear) & others There are at least 10 different species of bat that might be seen winging through summer skies after sunset. Small ones are likely to be some species of Myotis—larger animals are probably the aptly named big brown bat. Northwest bats eats bugs, not blood, so consider them effective allies in the war on mosquitoes. Before it gets too dark, watch them hunt—they are nimble flyers.

MINK Mustella vison (withered weasel)

MINK Mustella vison (withered weasel) You might never see a mink wandering around in the forest, but Northwest kayakers see them regularly. Not as fashion accessories of course—I believe you have to be 102 or from northeastern Europe somewhere to sport a mink coat nowadays. No, we see these chocolate colored little weasels scampering along shorelines, patrolling for food. Only 35cm long and with an odd, bottoms up gait, they still manage to look quite fashionable in their fur coats.