VANCOUVER ISLAND FACTS - Wildlife
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Note: 15,000 years ago the island was buried under glaciers. It was separated from the British Columbia mainland by water and therefore developed it's own unique eco-system. Most animals are classified as sub-species.
- 105 species of mammals
- 150 species of birds.
- 450 species of fish.
- 600 different kinds of plants.
- 4000 different invertebrates.
- Province's greatest density of Black Bears, Cougars (also called Pumas or Mountain Lions), and Wolves.
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First fossil of an Elasmosaur (and more recently a Mososaur) found on west coast of North America (Comox Valley). After a tour of the area and some instruction, the Courtenay Museum will supply you with Hammer and Chisel so that you may spend the rest of your day fossil hunting! Also, the Comox Valley is now officially the "First Step on the Dinosaur Trail". |
- Hornby Island (Comox Valley) is the only place in the world where the primitive 6-gill Shark mysteriously comes from the deep ocean into shallow water (June to September). They are lulled by the warm water so that scuba divers come from around the world and swim safely with them.
- There are (19) pods of Orcas (the black and white Killer Whale) totalling about (275) whales. They are quite intelligent animals and, with the related Dolphins and Porpoises, are members of the Whale family. Although ferocious hunters they also have a sense of humor as they have been observed playfully dunking terrified Sea Birds by grabbing their dangling feet from below the water, pulling them under and then letting them go (unharmed).
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- The Navigator Shrew seems to walk on water. Actually it is so light that it barely breaks the surface tension of the water while skittering about. It has also learned to hunt below the surface like a Seal. (Minnows and Insects)
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