Wildlife Notebook
This includes rabbits and hares, the larger member of the rodent family, and a few species that are the lone members of their family living in Saskatchewan. These mammals are common, allowing a patient nature watcher good opportunities to see them.
Since the extinction of the Plains Grizzly in the 1800s, the Black Bear remains the only member of the Ursidue or bear family in Saskatchewan where it is common in forested areas.
Even more alone, the Raccoon is the only North American member of the Procyonidae family which includes coatis and kinkajous. This is a very old family that goes back to the Eocene period.
Few rodents have been as important in a nation's history as the Beaver-a fact celebrated on Canada's nickel. Although sometimes considered a pest by landowners for it's dam building, new methods have been developed to allow humans and beavers to co-exist. Once endangered, it is now abundant in all but the north-eastern corner of the province.
These larger rodents, raccoon, rabbits and hares have adapted to human activity and are often seen in urban parks or green spaces as well as in the wild, so keep your eyes open for your wilder neighbours!
Black bear | Beaver | Muskrat | Raccoon | Showshoe hare | Porcupine | White-tailed jackrabbit
Nuttall’s cottontail
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