Wild Life
Black Bear
The black bear occurs throughout much of North America from northern Canada and Alaska south into Mexico and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This includes 39 of the 50 U.S. states and all Canadian provinces. Populations in east-central and the southern United States remain in the protected mountains and woodlands of parks and preserves. While there were probably once as many as two million black bears in North America, the population declined to a low of 200,000 before rebounding in recent decades, partly due to conservation measures. By current estimates, more than 600,000 are living today.
The black bear is about 1.5 metres (5 feet) long. Females weigh between 40 and 180 kg (90 and 400 pounds), while males weigh between 50 and 400 kg (110 and 880 pounds). Cubs usually weigh between 200 and 450 g (between 7 oz and 1 pound) at birth. The adult black bear has small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, a large body, and a short tail. Though these bears indeed generally have shaggy black hair, the coat can vary in color depending on the subspecies: from white through chocolate brown and cinnamon brown
These West Coast Black Bears are the best known and the most frequently seen of the three species of native North American bears (Black, Grizzly & Polar).
Black Bears on Vancouver Island, one of six subspecies of Black Bears
- Remain the only species of bear not officially considered threatened
- Of the 6 subspecies of Black Bears, only Ursus americanus vancouveri is found on Vancouver Island & nowhere else
- They are one of the world’s most adaptable animals
- Will eat anything that is high in protein and energy
- Can run two times faster than humans
- Vastly prefer burned areas to mature forests or clear cuts
- Produce fewer offspring than any other mammal (1-4 cubs every few years)
- Adult males home range from 25 to 150 sq. km, that overlaps home ranges of a number of female bears
- Emerge from dens as early as late February or March in low elevation areas near the Pacific Coast ( because of our mild climate, many do not hibernate at all!)
- Bears are naturally curious and love to explore
Remember, Black Bears are Wild Animals and should not be approached on foot.
Steller's Sea Lion
The Steller's Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus), also known as the Northern Sea Lion, is a sea lion of the temperate eastern Pacific, named by Georg Steller. Its range extends from the Gulf of Alaska in the north to central California in the south. Steller's Sea Lions were listed as threatened on the U.S. endangered species list in the 1990s and have since been the object of intense study.California Sea Lion
The California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus californianus) is a coastal sea lion of the eastern Pacific often associated with marinas and wharves. Males grow to 340 kg (750 pounds) and 2.4 m (8 feet) long, females are generally no larger than 100 kg (220 pounds) and 2m (6.5 feet) long. The whiskers help the seal's sense of touch. Males grow a large crest of bone on the top of their heads as they reach sexual maturity, and it is this that gives the animal its generic name (loph is "forehead" and za- is an emphatic; Zalophus californianus means "Californian Big-head").California Sea Lions feed on a wide variety of seafood including fish, shellfish and squid. They are excellent predetors with a streamlined body and highly sensitive whiskers to detect food. California Sea Lions are highly sociable and gather in large numbers on beaches and coasts.
Harbour Seal
With an estimated 400,000-500,000 individuals, the total population of Harbour Seals is not threatened as a whole. Local populations have been reduced or eliminated through outbreaks of disease and conflict with humans, both unintentionally and intentionally.With each individual possessing a unique pattern of fine, dark spots, Harbour Seals vary in colour from brownish black to tan or grey; underparts are generally lighter. The body and flippers are short, with a proportionately large, rounded head. The nostrils appear distinctively V-shaped; as with other true seals, the ears are not visible.
Including the head and flippers, Harbour Seals may reach an adult length of 185 centimetres and a weight of 130 kilograms. Females are smaller than males.
Sea Otters
Hunted extensively for their luxurious fur—the densest of all mammals with up to 100,000 hairs per square centimeter— from 1741 onwards, Sea Otter populations were greatly reduced to the point of extermination in many parts of their historic range. By 1911 the world population was estimated to be just 1,000-2,000 individuals. Although several subspecies are still endangered, the otters have since been legally protected, and reintroduction efforts have shown positive results.
Generally sticking to shallow coastal waters of no more than about 55 metres in depth, Sea Otters are found most often in areas with rocky coastline and thick kelp forests; barrier reefs and intertidal areas are also inhabited.
Sea Otters may be either solitary or in groups called rafts when resting; females avoid males outside of breeding periods. Conflicting data regarding home range and migration of Sea Otters suggests their movements are dependent on availability of resources. Home ranges may be as large as 5.4 square kilometres, with most animals travelling found within 1-2 kilometres of the previous day's location.
Diurnal animals, most of a Sea Otter's day is taken up by foraging and grooming. Feeding activity peaks in the early morning and evening (crepuscular feeding); dives are fairly short, typically lasting no more than about 90 seconds. The otters wrap themselves in mats of kelp, securing them from the sway of currents while resting and feeding. Floating on their backs, the otters wash and (if necessary) pry open their prey with a favoured rock they keep in their pouch. Sea Otters present a rare example of mammalian tool use.