Wildlife in the park is both
abundant and observable. Elk, moose, deer, wolf,
and the more elusive Canadian lynx make their
home in the park. The Eastern Slope Grizzly
Bear Project strives to protect the threatened
existence of this truly magnificent creature.
The largest of living carnivores, grizzly bears
can tower to an intimidating height of eight
feet when standing upright on their hind legs.
Commonly known as Silvertips, the Rocky Mountain
variety has long hairs along the shoulders and
back that are frosted with white, thus giving
a grizzled appearance. Although they are often
seen eating berries and roots, they are quite
carnivorous in the park region, hunting moose,
elk, mountain sheep and goats, or feeding on
the vulnerable populations of breeding salmon
in the summer. Historically common on the Great
Plains prior to the arrival of European settlers,
who drove them west out of much of their former
range, grizzly bear numbers have dropped dramatically
since the turn of the century. Logging, mining,
road construction, resorts, and golf courses
have all encroached on suitable bear habitat
and today they are seen mainly in tundra and
alpine meadows. The real danger of attack from
this animal is often exaggerated. In general,
they attempt to avoid human contact unless startled
at close quarters with young or engrossed in
a search for food. Certain parts of the Lake
O'Hara area trails are subject to seasonal closures
in order to protect grizzly bear habitat and
reduce human/bear encounters. Once plentiful
in all major rivers flowing from the eastern
slopes of the Rockies, loss of habitat and over-fishing
has resulted in a significant decline in bull
trout populations over the last 20 years; nevertheless,
controlled fishing is allowed in the park. In
YohoÆs high alpine meadows, the rare water pipit,
horned lark, grey-crowned rosy finch and the
white-tailed ptarmigan are all stalked by avid
birdwatchers. Two aquatic species, the dipper,
which dives for its prey in the icy mountain
rivers, and the harlequin duck, are both rare
species. Grassland falcons, hummingbirds, jays
and nutcrackers are frequently seen and migrating
warblers, hawks and eagles visit the park to
seek food and cover on the forested slopes.
|
