Dispatches
This summer, in parks across the country, you can encounter (or avoid) extraordinary creatures
Keeping you up to date on what’s happening in research, in conservation and in the wild right now
Torngat Mountains National Park MINKE WHALE (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
You’re most likely to spot these small baleen whales in the fiords and bays of this national park — but keep your eyes peeled, because minke whales are notoriously elusive. Although this species is not at risk according to the federal species at risk registry, death tolls appear to be rising as a result of ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve ATLANTIC PUFFIN (Fratercula arctica)
Twelve species of seabirds summer and breed in this reserve, but Atlantic puffins are definitely the showiest. They hang out at sea until spring, when they return to the same sea-cliff nesting sites each year. Babies hatch July to August.
Riding Mountain National Park PLAINS BISON (Bison bison)
Spot this iconic species as you drive through a 500-hectare enclosure on the Lake Audy plain. The fencing is designed to limit the disturbance to other wildlife, which can roam freely in and out of the park.
Grasslands National Park NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG (Lithobates pipiens)
You can find this black-spotted, bright-green frog in the park’s wetlands and muddy sites. They can leap up to one metre, so watch out for hops! Keep an eye out when you’re driving, too: many frogs are killed each year on roads.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve PACIFIC BANANA SLUG (Ariolimax columbianus)
Spot this big land-faring mollusk on mossy logs or in moist spaces along the trail — watch that you don’t step on one! Banana slugs can be bright yellow, spotted or greeny-brown. If you see one of the yellow ones, you’ll know where their name comes from.