Mammals

Yellow-bellied Marmot Tooth - Meadow Lake, BC Is there such a thing as a Sabre-toothed Marmot? It looks like one of this guys teeth has grown a little out of line with where it is supposed to be. Doesn't seem to have hurt this little rotund rodent. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Yellow-bellied Marmot Tooth - Meadow Lake, BC
Yellow-bellied Marmot - Meadow Lake, BC There is just something about a baby critter. This little yellow-bellied Marmot was sunning on the lichen spotted rock next to him and his 40 plus relatives. Based on the range maps these little guys are a bit far north but I do know that Marmots have a strange habit of climbing into the chassis of vehicles and ending up very long distances from their original home. One such instance is well documented of a Marmot that ended up in Victoria, BC from the Rockies. He hitched a ride on a motorhome and set up camp in the gardens of the Fairmont Empress. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Yellow-bellied Marmot - Meadow Lake, BC
American Black Bear - Big Bar Lake, BC This very healthy looking bear was feeding on plants on the side of the road on the way up to Big Bar Lake. He was minding his own business mowing grass. It seems hard to believe that the large 200+ pound animal can survive on grass. They are omnivores and will eat meat as well as insects when the season is right. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
American Black Bear - Big Bar Lake, BC
Howler Monkeys - San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua During our visit to the wonderful Casa Serena in the Balcones de Majagual we were able to see the resident troop of Howler Monkeys making their way through the valley. They were vocal enough that we could hear them on the neighboring hill at dusk but on our way out we were able to get some great views. This was the first time seeing the very noisy monkeys for my wife. The mom and little one were relaxing for a minute before moving on with the rest of the troop. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Mantled Howler Monkey - San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Orca - Tofino, BC I was on a pelagic birding tour earlier this year and was lucky enough to see several whales and dolphins including this Orca and its pod. They were in the inner channel very close to Tofino, cruising the rocks. Orca are considered the largest dolphin in the world and are fierce hunters. Was a wonderful morning to get a look at these magnificent creatures. Michael W Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com
Orca - Tofino, BC
Red Fox - Mahood Lake, BC Just south of Canim Lake at Canimred Creek this little fox was prowling the edge of a small field. I stopped to grab a photo and he shrunk into the grass to where he was hardly visible. They are handsome canines and are very able to adapt to their environment which is why they do so well around humans. Red foxes come in several different color variations including silver. This was my first closeup encounter in the wild with this fantastic animal. Michael Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Vulpes vulpes Picture
Red Fox - Canim Lake, BC
Among the jumbled wood pile a head poked up to see who was going to be the next human to provide an offering to the Chipmunk Deity. Because I didn't pay enough attention to him the first time, he clambered up on to the next log to see if he could catch my attention. Mission accomplished. It was right about then that a Douglas Squirrel figured this squatter was invading his territory and with a flash ran him off. Not before a quick memory of the encounter. Picture
Townsend's Chipmunk - Langley, BC
Coyote - Pitt Meadows Every once in a while you will see a Coyote in the fields during the day looking for voles or mice. This particular K9 had duck on the menu. That was until the duck realized he was on the menu and exited stage left in short order. I think the face says the rest. Don't give me that look, I swear I didn't warn him dog. Michael Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Coyote - Pitt Meadows, BC