Nunavut - Wildlife

The next couple of weeks we are focusing on the two remaining territories, Nunavut and the Yukon. We’ve been baking and trying out recipes for the past few weeks so we thought we’d take a look at some of the many things you can see and do around these territories. 

Nunavut has so much wildlife to see and experience. Whether you’re admiring the birds from afar or sea life up close in a kayak or canoe, you’re sure to see some exciting creatures on your trip to Nunavut.

Birdwatching:

·         Nunavut is home to many Arctic bird species that you won’t run into in the warmer climates in which most of us live in.

·         Some of the largest nesting colonies reside here.

·         There are 100 migratory species that you can see in Nunavut; it is thought that birds migrate here because their eggs are more likely to survive predators.

·         Birds that are most common in the region are: owls, eagles, hawks, falcons, ravens, ptarmigan, finches, larks, sparrows, pipits, auks, cranes, gulls, puffins, sandpipers, ducks, geese, loons, and swans.

·         The best time to bird watch is May until August.

·         Three birds, the Snowy Owl, Raven, and Ptarmigan remain here all year long

·         Many types of birds fly long distances so that they can breed in Nunavut; most birds return to their same nests each year.

·         Nunavut has many bird sanctuaries as well that you can visit to see the birds. Take a look at some tourism websites before you go to look for some good sanctuaries to visit.

Dogsledding:

·         Husky dogs are one of the oldest dogs in North America and have been residents of Nunavut for at least 4000 years. The Inuit call them Qimmiit.

·         In the past they were the best transportation available and most preferred as they would pull the sleds and keep you company at the same time.

·         They helped to hunt caribous and seals.

·         They hunt seals by sniffing out their breathing holes in the wintertime and hunt for caribou by sniffing out their tracks.

·         They can warn people by barking when a polar bear is near and then they can chase the bears away protecting their owners/people.

·         Warm heavy coats keep them protected from the cold and snow storms.

·         The lead dog can always find home even in the worst weather conditions.

·         Even though snowmobiles are now more popular than dogsleds, they still are available for tourists to experience and for hunting transportation.

·         You can look for dogsled tours as you plan your trip. Full day excursions as well as shorter rides are available. A springtime tour is recommended as you will be able to see marine life as the ice breaks up along the route. Keep in mind that these dogs are not playful pet dogs but hardworking powerful animals that tend to be a bit more aggressive than your average puppies.

Beluga Whales: 

·         Boat tours will take you to see the playful “canary of the sea.”

·         It makes many high pitched squeals, squawks, squeaks, clucks, and whistles.

·         The reside in sub-arctic and arctic waters

·         They are seen in pods at the mouths of rivers usually.

Walrus:

·         Usually relaxed, but they can sometimes be quite irritable.

·         It’s best to see them relaxing in the sunshine on ice floes from a boat tour.

·         They have large flippers along with large ivory tusks and whiskers.

·         Tusks are just elongated canine teeth that they use to poke holes in the ice with to pull themselves up and out of the water.

·         A male can reach up to 4,400 pounds and can be 13 feet in length.

·         They like to eat bivalve mollusks.

·         Even though they look lazy and large, they will dive hundreds of meters down to get clams, their favourite food. They can eat up to 4000 in one feeding.

Polar Bears:

·         This is another creature that you’ll want to see from afar. Tourism websites suggest that you go along with an outfitter or experienced guide and to view these animals from very far away with specialized binoculars or telephoto camera lenses.

·         They are the world’s largest carnivorous species on land.

·         Are more powerful than the Kodiak bear.

·         They can swim quite well in the cold cold water so that they can hunt seals.

Narwhal:

·         A very cool and unique whale because the males have a large tusk that looks like a unicorn horn.

·         The tusk is an incisor tooth which comes out of their upper jaw and no one really know why they have it.

·         They live in Arctic waters year round, so no migrating for them. They stay put.

·         They eat squid and flatfish primarily.

·         The best time to view these awesome creatures is in the summer when they move closer to the shore.

·         You can spot them in pods of four to 20 whales.

Muskox:

·         They are known for their shaggy thick fur and long curved horns. They sort of look like a modern day wholly mammoth.

·         Muskox are a mix of sheep, goats, and oxen.

·         There about 60,000 living in Nunavut and can be spotted in herds of 10-20.

·         If you’re interested in seeing these animals look for a guide that knows their migration patterns and they can help spot them.