Animals of the Pacific Northwest

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Animals

The Pacific Northwest boasts a wide diversity of animals, both land based and aquatic, including mammals, reptiles, insects, birds & fish.

Hi, l am Bud Logan, owner of gohiking.ca, its a web site l have been building to showcase the natural wonders of the pacific northwest coastal region. This is the most beautiful area in the world, with mountains that spring from the sea and go straight to the sky, rivers, lakes and waterfalls that can rival any and beaches of soft white sand that are so remote that quite often, you are the only one there.

Bud and Robert photographing a moth, they are always looking for various animals to photograph — Bud and Robert photographing a moth, photo by Forrest Logan

Our coast is a dive destination with its cold and clear water that is so full of life and color that it can take your breath away. The diversity of our land and sea animals is incredible. Our residents are friendly and always willing to lend a hand or give directions to a traveler. So come on, take a trip and visit the pacific northwest. You will not regret it.

Animals have always been of interest to me, but I enjoy observing insects most of all. We are fortunate to have so many types here on the coast – from cone head crickets to tiger beetles and everything in between. I could spend all day watching these little creatures go about their business!

Eagle sitting on the beach looking up at the sky, there are many animals in the Pacific Northwest — Bald Eagle, Photo By Robert Logan

The birds that inhabit or visit the region are numerous in both variety and quantity. Photographing them is a popular pastime, and getting that photo you’ve been striving for, can be quite satisfying! Bird watching is very popular here and there are many tours that will take you out birding.

While many bird species are found here, we also receive extraordinary surprise visits by rare birds from other parts of the world. These sensational sightings quickly mobilize birders and photographers into an avid migration of their own! Its quite fascinating to watch the bird watchers, it can be almost as satisfying as bird watching.

A pair of Red Breasted Merganser ducks swimming together, Ducks are common animals on our coast — A pair of Red Breasted Mergansers, photo by Robert Logan

There is something very calming about walking along an estuary or mountain trail, on the lookout for birds. My family and l have always enjoyed birding and hiking – good for your health and feeds your soul.

Fishing on the coast is first class. Our waters teem with both fresh & saltwater varieties, and expert guides can offer you the fishing experience of a lifetime!

Some fascinating and very rare animals inhabit our region, including the Vancouver Island marmot, with only 200 in number. The Vancouver Island wolverine, however, hasn’t been sighted for a few decades… I hope there are still a few left in our high country.

Many wild & varied marine animals inhabit the waters along the coast. One can see dolphins, killer whales, grey whales, sea turtles, humpback whales, & other extraordinary species in our waters. Naturalists, biologists, whale watchers, & beachcombers travel here from afar to enjoy the super natural wonders of B.C.’s stunning coast lines and oceans.

A harbor seal swimming in the waters off Sydney By The Sea on Vancouver Island, seals are common animals on the pacific northwest shores — A harbor seal swimming in the waters off Sydney By The Sea, photo by Bud Logan

Divers throng to revel in our clear, luxuriant underwater wonderland, with its fascinating plant & animal life. Recognized as one of the world’s great dive destinations! The waters along our coast contain life giving nutrients that sustain a vast array of marine life. Our seas are filled with spectacular color & character, its quite amazing. You can get acquainted with the ocean by visiting any beach and exploring the life within its tidal pools.

Spiders, Pacific Northwest, BC — Spiders Of BC, Trap Door Spider, Photo By Bud Logan

Almost half the spider species known to Canada are found in the Pacific Northwest. Spiders are ferocious creatures living within a matriarchal society. Ruled by females, males are sometimes little more than just a meal! I have always enjoyed learning about our fascinating spiders. Studies of these creatures have mostly been conducted by a few dedicated amateurs. Recently, a team from the Museum of BC has been investigating our spiders to learn more about them and their interesting habits.

Snails and slugs inhabit most parts of the coast: from alpine meadows to coniferous forests, and from river lowlands to urban parks & gardens. They are members of the animal group known as gastropods.

Oregon Brown Snail on Vancouver Island, gastropods are one of the animals of the Pacific Northwest — Oregon Brown Snail, Photo By Bud Logan

Snails and slugs live in our oceans, fresh water lakes, rivers, and on land. These creatures have a distinct head with eyes on stalks, and a broad flat foot used for locomotion. the Pacific Northwest is home to many varieties of snails and slugs – it’s worthwhile exploring them!

To learn more about the animals in your area, look for tracks they have left behind to help identify them. Their scat can also be observed to determine the types of food they eat. So get out, and take a walk on the wild side, see what animals are found in your area. Bring along a camera – you might just get that shot you’ve been looking for!

When hiking the back country, remember: take only pictures, leave only footprints.