Wildlife
The coastal rainforests are vital to a strong ecosystem and support a multitude of species found NOWHERE else in the world.
About half the species in Canada are found in BC, of these 805 are at risk and 5 are already extint. Most, that depend on an old growth system, are on the endangered species list.
Black bear, spotted owl, Vancouver Island marmot, marbled murret,and countless wild salmon are only a few of the species in jepordy of becoming extinct.
At a glance not all rainforest species can be noticed, some live high in the forest canopy, or underneath the ground. Others are stealthy or nocturnal, and most are just so small that you must look carefully for them.
All the rainforest creatures are shy.
Black bears are common residents at Sombrio. A mamma and clubs live nearby to the east.
Bears are an important link in the long-term viability of a forest. Simply, because they are messy eaters, dragging salmon carcasses deep into the forest, providing important food sources to other animals and plants. If a bear has to go elsewhere for food, the entire ecosystem suffers.
The hairy wood pecker, left and a winter wren, right. Are among the plethora of birds found at Sombrio.
The marbled murret (not shown) was once a resident of the beach, but because this sea-bird is completely dependent on old forest to nest and raise its young; its breeding ground was destroyed almost 65 years ago.
Once on a weekend at Sombrio, I saw a deer, a bear cub, a whale, and had a bald eagal swoop down over my head. It may not sound unusual, but I have not seen so many different creatures at one time since. It was an incredible experience to see so much wildlife, and not be at a zoo. This increased my personal desire to help maintain ecological zones for the good of everyone. For ways that you can help save the enviroment in your own home click on the 69 things you can do to save the environment link, on the Map & Link page.
Racoons make thier home in the forest surrounding the beach, inquisitive and nocturnal, they'll get into any food thats left unsecure.
The Vancouver Island marmot, although not a resident of the coast, deserves mention here because what happens on the coast can effect what we do in the interior. I feel that the plight of the marmot represents the struggle of all wildlife in BC.
The Vancouver Island marmot is part of the squirrel family, and is one of the rarest species on the planet. They live high in the mountains of Vancouver Island, and NOWHERE else. For more information on the marmot, click on marmot on the links page.
