July 29, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Wildlife Tours
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I recently rediscovered my inner child and went searching for frogs and salamanders! As a kid growing up in Northern BC, my sister and I spent many hours hunting for amphibians in our neighbourhood. I always loved that feeling of turning over a piece of wood and finding those big beady eyes staring up at you!
My recent excursion took place on the shores of Lake Kathlyn in Smithers, but any moist, wooded area near you will likely do the trick! It took me a few minutes to find the right hunting spot, but my patience was rewarded with numerous great finds! My photo is of a salamander that I found inside an old log (the best place to find salamanders by the way - a nice moist rotting log on the forest floor!), but I also found a few toads of miscellaneous colours and sizes hopping around in the swampy areas next to the lake. Our rainy summer has provided great amphibian homes this year!
The numbers of amphibians in Northern BC are declining every year, so I really encourage you to get your hands dirty and learn about these critters in their natural habitat before it's too late! Contrary to popular belief, you won't get warts from touching frogs...and I've kissed a few as a kid and they didn't turn into princes either :) Just please be very gentle if you choose to pick up any toads or salamanders and carefully return them to exactly where you found them.
Happy hunting!
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Wildlife Tours
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The other day, I went for a great hike on Hudson Bay Mountain. I hiked all the way up to Crater Lake (a glacial lake on the mountain) where there was alpine meadows right next to left-over snow from winter. It took me an hour to get to the top, where I jumped in the frigid lake to cool off.
Not expecting to see any animals other than the usual marmot (which I did see), coming down from the mountain I saw a buck by the parking lot! Even though I have grown up in Smithers my whole lie, seeing wildlife never ceases to amaze me, so excitedly I grabbed my camera and took some pictures.
I hope when other people go hiking to Crater Lake, they have the same luck and see some animals as well! You may see mountain goats, whisky jack birds in the fall who will eat right out of your hand, and a whole lot of snowboarders and skiers in the winter!
Editor's note: Learn more about hiking near Smithers here.