| Wildlife in British Columbia |
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Wildlife in British ColumbiaBritish Columbia WildlifeBritish Columbia is one of the best areas in Canada for viewing wildlife, with unique and wonderful animals like the Aise Swallowtails, and Green Herons, and Trumpeter Swans. BC is heaven for birdwatchers. Over one million birds journey on the Pacific flyway and thousands stop over or stay all through the year.Twice every year, almost the entire global population of Pacific Gray Whales migrates along the Coast of British Columbia. All five of Pacific salmon species travel far into the province's interior. The Fraser River, with its numerous streams, boasts the largest salmon run in the world. Mountain Goats, Caribou, Moose and Bighorn Sheep can be seen foraging by the highway's edge. Cougar, Black Bear, Grizzly Bear and the Kermode Bear grab even more attention. Because of British Columbia’s varying climates, the untouched wilderness areas and many eco systems located throughout the province of British Columbia, the wildlife varies from area to area, both marine and land. Some wildlife lives throughout British Columbia, while others live and produce young in specific regions of the province. Certain types of wildlife migrate and only visit BC in certain seasons, while others are year round inhabitants. The best chance to view some of the remote wildlife is with one of the local tour companies listed in each community. It is not rare to see wildlife like Black Bears, Cougars, Elk, Bald Eagles, Wolves, Deer, Mountain Goats, Blue Herons, etc. while traveling from destination to destination along the highways of British Columbia. Much of the effort of viewing wildlife in British Columbia is where to start and which type of tour to take. Tours range in comfort and in length. There are tours on board boats, 4X4s, zodiacs, ATVs, floatplanes, helicopters and by foot. Some tours include accommodations, guides and/or meals so do your research. Deciding on what wildlife you want to see depend on the seasons. Some wildlife hibernates during the winter months while others fly off or head out on a long swim journeying to warmer climates and far-away feeding grounds. The wildlife in British Columbia can seem tame, but do not be fooled; they are wild animals and can be unpredictable and dangerous. The larger wildlife can be hostile. It is against the law to feed wildlife in British Columbia’s National Parks. Always maintain a safe distance of 50 meters (150 feet). Accidents between wildlife and vehicles are becoming a very serious issue in British Columbia. There are over 500,000 animals (2001) killed on our major highways a year. Some safety measures that have been put in place to put a stop to this injustice to our wildlife includes highway lighting and signs, fencing, wildlife over and under passes, repellents, noisemakers, driver education and reflectors. The best precaution to help prevent collisions with wildlife is slowing down and staying aware while traveling on remote BC highways. |