Photo: Girish Panicker
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE Part of the Lac La Biche Region’s charm is just how close it brings you to nature. That means having plenty of wild neighbours. Remember to keep your distance and avoid disturbing any wildlife you encounter. Make noise so animals know you’re coming, and never feed wildlife. Moose are the biggest members of the deer family, typically weighing 700 pounds or more. Despite their bulk, they’re natural swimmers with a taste for aquatic plants. Black bears are forest-dwelling omnivores with a special liking for berries. Most bears are shy and would rather avoid humans, but take precautions and be “bear smart” to prevent any problems. Deer are everywhere in our region, even sometimes in our urban centres. They’re often seen in small groups. Watch for them crossing the road, especially at twilight. Beavers are the engineers of the wild, building dams that can change whole landscapes. Their dome-shaped lodges are common sights in ponds and shallow areas of lakes. Red foxes are naturally suited to the region’s mix of woods and meadows. Look closely while on a nature walk to see the burrows where they breed, and maybe a furry face or two looking back.
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