Whiteshell Provincial Park

You could not miss seeing this black and white striped skunk out for a walk on a sunny and warm winter day. They are normally nocturnal so I am not sure why this one was on a walk about during mid-day.  It was walking along and rooting under the snow here and there in search of food.  These photos were taken in the Pinawa area.  About the size of a domestic cat, skunks won’t bother you unless they feel threatened and it is very wise not to annoy them.  In all fairness to the skunk their body language will give you warning if you are too close.  Their diets consists mainly of insects and they do eat small rodents as well. Sometimes in more rural areas  skunks will damage lawns by digging for food.  I especially love the baby skunks and they are adorable reminding me of kittens following along behind their mother.  One campground in the Whiteshell that I frequented had many skunks which would appear with the onset of dusk and they wandered around the campsites in search of food. They were so used to people and being fed that they were almost like the campground pets.  One walked right under my camp chair one night on its way to the lakeshore for a drink of water.  I enjoyed watching them wander about without feeling threatened.

Enjoy!

~Sharon

Another fall day and a drive out to the Whiteshell Provincial Park.  Once again I happened upon an otter family of three.  Every time I come across an otter or otters they always will swim a little in my direction, pop their heads up and take a look.  As usual, their curious nature allowed for this photo before they swam a little farther down the river.  I am always thrilled to see these playful animals in their natural environment.

Below: A river otter from an early spring trip, once again taking a look.

Enjoy!

~Sharon

Some recent photos of white tailed deer today.  These were taken in late October / early November and as I had hoped there were more bucks visible at this time of year.  It is rutting season and we need to be extra alert while driving in both the city (we have a large urban deer population in Winnipeg) and on the highways.  The deer run all over the place during the rut and many are killed in traffic.

Enjoy!

~Sharon