Closed Coniferous Patch: Mammals

Birds

Amphibians/Reptiles

Arthropods

Plants

Bryophytes/Lichens

Mule Deer

Named for their very large ears that look like those of a Mule, Mule Deer have a large white patch on their rump and tail, with a black tail tip. A dark patch on the forehead and branched antlers clearly distinguish Mule Deer from White-tailed Deer. Their preferred food is Douglas-fir, Saskatoon, ceanothus, willows, forbs and grasses. Winters are spent in the protection of conifer trees or foraging in the open grasslands.

Mule Deer are common throughout the grasslands and associated forests of British Columbia.

Northern Flying Squirrel

This squirrel really can glide! A large fold of skin extending between the front and hinds legs provides the "wings" that allow it to fly between branches or from tree to tree. Northern Flying Squirrels build a nest of twigs, mosses and lichens in a cavity or between branches in a tree where they raise three young. They are usually nocturnal but are occasionally active during daylight hours.

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Here are some representative species in closed coniferous patches:

Black Bear
Moose
White-tailed Deer
Red-backed Vole
Red Squirrel
Short-tailed Weasel
Yellow-pine Chipmunk

Photo:
Jared Hobbs (Mule Deer)

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