Hunted to near extinction for thick pelts these adorable creatures now outnumber seals and sea lions in the Nuchatlitz area. Marine biologists estimate approximately six hundred sea otters live between Tachu Point and Ferrer point. Solitary otters swim by our cabin on a regular basis. Kayak to nearby kelp beds and you may see “rafts” of half a dozen or more.
Many California and Stellar sea lions live in this area. During Herring Season (March) it is common to see eighty or more piled on a small rock in Rosa Harbour. Step out on the deck to hear their distinctive “barking.” Harbour seals often accompany a kayak or rowboat part away around the island. A male elephant seal snout rising slowly above the surface of the ocean looks something like a deadhead. A rare and somewhat spooky sight. Female elephants seals are also a rare sight.
Gray and Humpback whales appear in our area from time to time. Gray whales migrate north to the Bering Sea in the spring and south to Baha California in the fall. Some stay in the area all summer. Humpback whales also migrate north in the spring and south in the fall. Killer whales appear from time to time.
Black bears graze along the beaches and in the meadows of all the small islands in this area, including our island. Sometimes black bears use the island trails, mainly in the early morning. Black bear sightings are fairly common. We discuss all aspects of bear “protocol” with our guests and wwoofers. Six or seven times a year, we see a pack of wolves or a lone wolf across from our cabin or playing in a nearby meadow. Sometimes we see one or two swimming to another island. Wolves are an occasional danger to dogs in this area. Wolves use the trails on the islands but we have never encountered any while on a hike. Island residents have seen cougars three times in the last four years. Cougars will attack dogs, cats, or small children. Sometimes they attack adults on bikes or horses. We discuss all aspects of cougar safety with our guests and wwoofers. The raccoons, deer, mink and river otters that live in this area pose no threat to humans, except if you lean too far out of your kayak for a photo op.
Many species of land and ocean birds live in Nuchatlitz Provincial Park. Harlequin ducks, mergansers, loons, oyster catchers, sand pipers, gulls, eagles, and herons, as well as rufous hummingbirds, stellar jays, winter wrens, and juncos are some frequently sighted birds. Rare glimpses of owls, northern flickers, and ravens are possible. Migrating birds such as swans and geese gather in nearby bays.
