Mammals of the Lowland Pacific N

Mammals of the Lowland Pacific Northwest

Introduction

Mammals are secretive and are rarely seen. They have keen senses and generally do not stay in an area where people are present, and usually hide at human approach.. Many mammals only come out at night.

If you want to see mammals you will need to learn to travel quiet and alertly, scanning the edges of shrubs and areas where mammals might be present. Early morning, not long after first light is a prime time to view both day moving mammals who are starting their day, and night dwelling animals who are just heading home after an evening abroad.

However, some mammals, like raccoons and squirrels readily come to humans having associated humans as sources of food. In many parks animals are used to humans and may be more viewable than in other places.

Although mammals are hard to find, signs of mammals are not. Tracks are the most obvious indicator of the presence of mammals, and a light snowfall can create a register of the animals in the woods. Along rivers and steams and even trails, a bit of mud can yield good tracks.

Scat and trails and other sign, such as gnawed sticks and branches from browsers are also indicators of the presence of mammals.