Who Did what? Part Three
Lots can be said about a beaver’s life … How gloomy I would be if I had to live under the ice for half a year.
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Who Did What?
The amazing things about trees is, well, they are amazing! they clean out air and they help us find direction and can even offer us medicine.
Frozen Frogs
That’s not a duck you are hearing as you walk along the edge of your favourite pond. It just so happens to be the sound of local wood frogs!
Gone Fishing
Whitehorse has been named to the list of best fishing cities in the country and it’s no wonder with its pristine wilderness and endless lakes.
Sandhill Cranes Flock to Faro
An amazing spectacle of nature in the Yukon happens during the first two weeks of May as hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes fly ‘home’.
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Wild Things Explained
Have you ever wondered, strolling through the Yukon bush with your pup, at the mysterious horizontal markings between the bark of trees?
Wild Things Explained Read More »
Spring is in the Air!
It can sometimes feel like spring will never arrive in the Yukon. But the signs are everywhere now! Check out these images from Sonja Seeber!
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The Scoop on Poop
Catching a glimpse of an animal when out on the land can be a thrilling experience. In the vast Yukon landscape…
Hunting For Chameleons In Namibia
One of the reasons why I like Namibia is the Namib Desert. I like deserts. I like the stillness there; it feels like entering a cathedral.
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Not Your Early Birds
Though there may still be snow on the ground and a chill in the air, spring is in full swing at Swan Haven.
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The Early bird gets the…Potamogeton
The first birds have arrived at Marsh Lake and other areas of open water in southern Yukon. They are here to feast…
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A swan success story
Though trumpeter swans are a familiar sight for Yukoners, people living in the east are only recently catching glimpses…
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Trapper’s troubles: Part Two
Most trappers will have a story about seeing their snow machine dive into a hole in the ice. This happened to us…
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Tales on Trails — Trappers’ Troubles
Yukon trapper Steve Paconi, with his wife Carol, trapped this area with their dog team (and a cat!). That was during a time when trapping…
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Tales on Trails — Feathers
We were putt-putting along the trail, with Paul riding the snow machine while I was standing in the back of the toboggan.
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‘Hare’ Comes a super-peak
While five species of rabbits and hares (leporids) can be found across Canada, the Yukon is home only to the snowshoe hare.
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Tales on trails — Wildlife, big and small
Moose are big … I think we are not the only ones who happened upon a couple of moose while snowmobiling, checking traps along the trail.
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The lowdown on lichen
At first thought, lichen might not be the most-engaging conversation topic. It might even evoke glazed looks from a date…
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Tales on trails — wolves
Do they start whining, not leaving your side, begging you to turn around? Or are they interested and wanting to explore?
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True Colours Shining Through
Hillsides of evergreen trees will be dotted with patches of yellow as these trees shut down their energy centres and brace for winter
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Bothersome Bugs
We have camped throughout the summer months in the Yukon, and the annoying insects have earned a variety of monikers for good reason
Little Brown Bats Make Great Neighbours
The Yukon is home to little brown bats, one of the most widespread species of bats in Canada and they only come out at night
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Give Squirrels A Chance
Red squirrels are solitary and territorial animals. By now, their young have struck out for their own territories
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Our Furry Little Feathered Friends
We have a very unique place here, with a free show all summer—every summer—from our resident feathered friends, right off our deck
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Critter Control
If your work week’s alertness suffers due to not being able to sleep at night, then you have a nuisance on your hands
Our Neighbours
Next time you’re up for a nice drive, head north on the Alcan and you might be lucky enough to see our neighbours!
The Day I Gave Up My Fishing Spot
A tale of bruins vs Rita’s ruins After a short trip, we parked on the inside of a swooping riverbend and announced that the last
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Return Of The Swans
The Swan Haven Interpretive Centre presents A Celebration of Swans, from April 1 to 30, ushering in spring with the mass migration of thousands of
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Keeping Caribou On The Land
Wading through a mountain’s worth of videos, scientists are discovering more about the life of barren-ground caribou – and how it could change The Porcupine
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The Trapper’s Life: Whose Track Is It?
Yukon tracker Sonja Seeber breaks down the art of identifying animal tracks. Learn practical tips and explore the wilderness like a pro.
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Yukon Wildlife Viewing: It’s a long winter for animals, too
Yukon’s animals have unique winter survival tactics. Karen McColl explores migration, adaptation, and hibernation in this wildlife piece.
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Tales of Nahganne: The Mimicking Creature
I had spent time around Little Squanga Lake for a few days. I noted interesting locations, but no specific activity or signs of our bushman.
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Tales Of Nahganne – The Hall Creek Keeper
A local history enthusiast had been searching for a US Air Force plane that had gone down by Squanga Lake during the Second World War.
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Distinguished Sasquatch Enthusiasts: Part Three
In the last article I introduced Sasquatch researchers and writers Peter Byrne, Dr. Grover Krantz, Dr. John Bindernagel and Dr. Robert Alley.
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Distinguished Sasquatch Enthusiasts Part 2
In the first article, I introduced Sasquatch enthusiasts John W. Burns, John W. Green and Rene Dahinden. In this second article I will…
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Distinguished Sasquatch Enthusiasts Part 1
The giant, bipedal, forest-dwelling, hirsute hominid known as Sasquatch has been the subject of active investigation by people…
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An Interview With Minnie Clark
I was raised at Johnson’s Crossing on our family trapline in the southern Yukon. With my Tlingit heritage…
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The Silver Hart Road Watcher
A former resident of Yukon contacted me by email in October of 2020, to share a couple of encounters with a sasquatch.
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Welcoming The Return of the Bees
With April drawing to a close, the sounds of spring are in full force around us now. The migratory birds are back to fill the long daylight…
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The Meat Eater of Elsa
A First Nation gentleman from the Mi’kmaq Nation, originally from the Northeastern Woodlands First Nations of New Brunswick…
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WILD POOPS
When you ask a Yukon biologist if a bear does, in fact, poop in the woods, they will most definitely tell you yes.
Winter Snacks Are For The Birds
Our long and often very cold winters are tough on all of us, but we can make it a little easier on some of our local birds.
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What Is Sasquatch?
The bipedal entities commonly called sasquatch are identified by many regional names and nicknames (to mention them all would simply…
What Is Sasquatch? Read More »
Skulls And Beetles
As per the Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Eugene, Oregon, the skull is “a framework of bone or cartilage enclosing…
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Tree-Thrashing Events
People have told me that they have often been “chased away” from a certain area while in the bush, either while berry picking…
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Something Stinks Around Here!
People experience odd smells while walking in the forest. Usually the source is evident, but not always. Sasquatch enthusiasts have…
Something Stinks Around Here! Read More »
The One That Got Away
It was a beautiful day to hunt for grouse—spruce grouse to be precise.
Me and my friend Konstantine had aligned our schedules…
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The Swimming Sasquatch
In July of 2014, I was attending the Moosehide Gathering, hosted by the Tr’ondëk Hëwch’in First Nation (THFN)…
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Winter Is Coming
While the beginning of November signals the closure of the vast majority of big game hunting in the territory, another incredible opportunity
Grizzly Encounter
The grizzly we harvested this fall relied on berries, roots, horsetail and moose. We encountered the big bear only 10 days before…
The Curious Sasquatch
This sighting took place at Marshall Creek in the early evening of Wednesday, July 20, 2014, by four ladies…
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The Vanishing Sasquatch
During the afternoon of July 11, 2011, a Crestview resident decided to go shopping in downtown Whitehorse. Driving from his home…
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The Rock Throwers
By all indications, the sasquatch would protect their area of activities by throwing rocks and other items in the direction of intruders.
Hunting The Hunters
In the fall of 2015, three B.C. hunters decided to hunt in a seldom-used area of northern British Columbia, in a location where…
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Keeping Coyotes At Bay
Coyote attacks on humans are rare, but a quick internet search will list hundreds of these incidents. The greatest number…
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Is There A Bear If You’re Not Aware?
A few years ago, a grizzly bear paid a visit to our neighbourhood in Marsh Lake. Not living full-time at the lake…
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Bird Song And Its Healing Potential
What were the first sounds that you heard in the womb, besides the rhythmic drumbeat of your mother’s heart and, later on, her voice?
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The Dancer of Kotaneelee
After becoming aware of my interest in sasquatch, a friend shared his sasquatch encounter. The sighting occurred in early October…
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Different Ways To Hunt Spring Bear
When it comes to big-game hunting in the North, there is no hunt as unique or as diverse as the spring bear hunt.
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What About Food?
Who doesn’t love precooked meals? And what could be better than for you to prepare them in the first place?
38th Annual Helmut Grünberg Yukon Birdathon
Birdathon time. The Yukon Bird Club’s (YBC) annual fun and fundraising event will take place from 5 p.m. on Friday, May 26…
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The Pregnant Sasquatch
A gentleman of the Gitsegukla First Nation, from B.C., shared his sighting experience with me. At the time, he was a self-employed…
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Not Your Average Pack-Out Part 2
This sheep hunt was now a moose hunt.We prepared our bodies by carb loading on extra rations while we discussed how we would stalk the moose.
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Is Your Bird Feeder A Bear Feeder?
Last summer, I lived at California Beach in Tagish, Yukon. Living in the Yukon can make one a bit complacent when it comes to bears.
Is Your Bird Feeder A Bear Feeder? Read More »
Kings Of The North
The Yukon is synonymous with many things—vast wilderness, majestic mountains, traditional peoples, ravens, caribou, salmon …
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The Fish Camp Visitors
In 2005, I was talking with a gentleman of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation who described an encounter he and his brother had with a sasquatch…
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More Than A Road Trip
In all of the natural world, there are few sights that can match the spectacle of the great barren-ground caribou migrations.
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Tales of Nahganne
For as long as humans have been in the Yukon, they have shared this vast land not only with various animals but also with…
Counting Birds This Christmas
I was not sure what to expect for my first Christmas Bird Count, a few winters ago. For someone who, back then, didn’t know her birds…
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Reindeer Nation
Canada is home to many species such as the beaver, the common loon, the Canada lynx, moose, wolverines—and the list goes on.
Furry Wildlife and Little-Known Facts
Beavers are found in most provinces and territories. They used to be eight-feet long and weigh about 200 pounds.
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Freeze-Proof Animals
Each winter, our furry neighbours don an extra-thick coat of fur and fat to make it through the winter. But a coat isn’t the only strategy…
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The Trapper’s Life
What is trapping? I had no idea. But I slowly but surely found out that hunting and trapping is a passion. Serious, gorgeous and grounding.
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Forest Fires, A Tool Used By Some Insects
A forest fire is a force of awe unlike any other, carrying with it one-part destruction, another-part healing.
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A Bird With Many Names
If you have been camping this year, was your picnic table visited by a Gray Jay, a Canada Jay, a Whiskeyjack or a Camp Robber? The answer is almost certainly, yes.
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Behind Every Great Flea Is A Lesser Flea
An area of land that includes habitat like water, or sources of food and places where animals seek shelter will support specific animals or birds. Because that parcel of land would support a grouse, does not mean the same parcel would support a different population of birds.
Behind Every Great Flea Is A Lesser Flea Read More »
Caribou vs Mining: Mitigating Effects On Caribou Migrations
Mitigating the effects on caribou migrations in the North is essential for their continued survival.
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Fly Straight Like a Honeybee
The idiom make a beeline for is a bit of a mystery as we watch the erratic dance of bees – So, what’s with bees and beelines?
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Pause and Give Thanks to Those Wonderful Summer Pollinators
Pollination is part of life on Earth, enabling plants to turn flowers into fruit. There is no more-famous pollinator than the honeybee.
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Let’s Build A Better Future For Waterfowl
Wetlands are vital for waterfowl reproduction. Unfortunately, encroachment by industry and humans is harmful.
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Not Quite a ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’
The phone rang just as I was headed out the door. The sun was shining and I was anticipating several hours in the garden. After
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A Bear Is ‘A Soul’ In Your Neighbourhood
I was wondering what to write when I had a nature call. As I peeked around the corner, I saw a black bear—probably two years old.
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Learn to identify a bird (or 10) this summer!
The Yukon has more than 300 species of birds. How many can you identify? You’d be surprised what you can do with binoculars and a bird guide.
Learn to identify a bird (or 10) this summer! Read More »
It’s Time for Birds! 37th Yukon Birdathon
In spring &, the Yukon comes alive with birds. The 24-hour birdfest, always held at the end of May, runs this year May 27/28 2022.
It’s Time for Birds! 37th Yukon Birdathon Read More »
It’s All In The Sign
When the animal you are tracking comes into question, just keep walking … You can clearly see the difference in the poop.
It’s All In The Sign Read More »
The History of the North American Bison
The Yukon bison herd is said to be 1,400+. Learn a little North American Bison, it’s introduction into the Yukon and a great Bison recipe.
The History of the North American Bison Read More »
To catch a chipmunk: It’s not as easy as you might think
I stashed a few peanuts in an awkward place I was fairly certain would prevent the conniving squirrels, but tempt the chipmunk.
To catch a chipmunk: It’s not as easy as you might think Read More »
A bear spray refresher
They may still be good, but who wants to learn they don’t work while facing a bear? Each container has only eight seconds of spray.
A bear spray refresher Read More »
Come and see the wildlife!
The Yukon hasn’t seen many nice days yet this summer, but there are still ample outdoor opportunities. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve, for example, has a full season planned.
Come and see the wildlife! Read More »
The joys and surprises of the annual birdathon
Saturday, May 29, birders will head out to identify as many different species as they can. They’re encouraged to go by their own power – foot, bike or paddle.
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Yukon Swallow and Bats on Farmlands
For the past two years, Maria Leung and team have been studying a few swallow species in and around farmlands in Yukon, namely Barn Swallow, Bank Swallow, Rusty Blackbird, and Little Brown Bat, with the support of local farmers and landowners.
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Spring in a rush of wings
Celebration of Swans is back! Bird lovers rejoice! After an unprecedented hiatus, Celebration of Swans returns this year to Swan Haven at Marsh Lake, with
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Knowing the Canadian beaver
Back in the 50s and 60s, before many of my readers were even born, as a conservation officer I had the pleasure of undertaking many
Knowing the Canadian beaver Read More »
Photo-bombed by a moose
I didn’t see the moose when I took the pictures, nor when I looked at the images the first time. I was too busy enjoying the shots of the sun-kissed Three Guardsmen peaks and the brilliant skyline. I had been photo-bombed by a moose—twice! Imagine the story the moose had to tell back with his buddies.
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A chance on winter
The process of watching, listening and trying to identify a bird will help you remember that species, and perhaps that particular bird, forever.
A chance on winter Read More »
Carrying Capacity: one of the most misunderstood factors
Too many or too few of a species can be a disaster for any animal. Take deer for example. Too few can spell disaster when you consider possible recovery time and all conditions the population faces.
Carrying Capacity: one of the most misunderstood factors Read More »
Learning from the land
The Porcupine Caribou Herd is one of the largest barren-ground caribou herds in North America. It numbered approximately 220,000 when it was last counted in 2017, a record-breaking high. Despite this, the herd faces challenges.
Learning from the land Read More »
Connecting this holiday season
Like our need for connectivity, much of the Yukon’s wildlife also needs to be able to travel from one place to another.
Connecting this holiday season Read More »
The Gwich’in’s journey to protect the Arctic Refuge
Which land mammal migrates farther than any other? It’s not the wildebeest on the savannas of Africa, or the antelope on the Tibetan steppe. It is the Porcupine caribou herd, right here in the Yukon.
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What we can learn from the passing of the passenger pigeon
On Sept 1, 1914, the passenger pigeon went extinct. Considering the bird’s once-plentiful population, have we learned anything from this.
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