THE BLACK BEAR

The black bear is a very magnificent animal and is found mainly in the western and central regions of the island and all over Labrador.The Avalon and south-east have a limited population.

The black bear is omnivorous meaning that it will eat almost everything. There have been cases reported where these bears have eaten platics , metal cans , and in the spring;chainsaw oil. Many a tree faller I have spoken to during my time in the forests has commented on how the bear will drink the oil as a kind of laxative. If there is a garbage dump near a forested area, chances are you will see black bears there.

Care should be taken when in bear country to avoid bad encounters.The most important thing to remember is to never feed bears and if camping or doing other outdoor activities, do not leave garbage in the area and keep any food well away from your campsite or general vicinity.

POLAR BEAR

The polar bear is one of the most vicious of bears and also the largest. They are the largest becuse they live in such cold climates that they require a large biomass to sustain them throughout the year.
They mainly feed on seals but occasionally eat walrus,lemming, fox, and fish.
These cute , but deadly polar bears are a frequent sight along Newfoundland`s coast. They show up when they are following their supper( seals) on the ice flows.

MOOSE( NF SPEEDBUMP)

The moose was introduced into the province (island portion)in the late 1920`s and their success has been phenomenal. From a population of 20 to approximatly 250,000 in 80 years is quite a feat. This is largely due to the prime habitat available and lack of competition. Moose thrive in areas of mixed forest, marsh and small lakes and ponds. They spend most of their summer diving to the bottom of these wet areas looking for aquatic vegetation.Moose can dive to a depth of about 30-40 ft.

The moose has become an important asset for many people such as, hunters, outfitters, tourists, and nature enthusiasts.

Since they have no natural predators, many moose are hunted to keep the population within the capability of the habitat.

The biggest problem with moose in the province is that they like to hang out on the roads and highways and are one of the highest causes of motor vehicle accidents- hence they have come to be known as the Newfie speedbump.

THE PUFFIN - THE PROVINCAL BIRD

The colorful puffin is the provincal bird of Newfoundland.
It lives in shallow burrows or depressions in the rock surrounding the coasstline.
They eat mainly fish.

GANNETS AT BIRD SANCTUARY

These birds flock by the thousands to the coast of Newfoundland every year . One area in particular, St.Mary`s Bird Sanctuary on the Burin peninsula is home to very large and diverse populations of birds.

HUMPBACK WHALE

Newfoundland in summer. Offshore the reflection of the sun casts shimmering light on azure waters, and prehistoric leviathans are known by name. If you want to see whales up close, off the coast of Newfoundland is the right place and from June to August is the right time.
Every year, humpback, minke, fin and sperm whales follow their food off the coast of Newfoundland and

They are amazing - huge creatures that carry their mass so gracefully.

Are you ready for this... nothing but ocean and sky all around... the wind whips through your hair... your legs roll with the swell of the ocean... the clean salt smell of ocean is all around and there they are. First you see them, then you smell them, then you feel them and hear them playing. The whales have found you.


The Prince of Whales - Humpbacks bring majestic exuberance to the seas. Humpbacks are the most energetic of the rorqual whales, and they bring their 50 foot bodies up close. So close that you might get to feel the mist of their blow. They slap their huge flippers, lobtail and breach the division between ocean and air. On the surface you first see their huge, slender heads, followed by their great broad backs, then the arch of their dorsal fins and finally, with a watery slap of their huge tails, they dive back into the depths.

Smallest of the seven great whales, female Minke whales can grow to 36 feet and weigh 10 tonnes. The occasional member of the species is curious enough to come close, but most are demure. Even their blowholes deliver an inconspicuous blow. When they breach, they can come out straight with most of their bodies leaving the water. They don't put on a show with twists or turns, but they make a titanic splash when they land on their light coloured bellies. Sometimes they arch their backs and re-enter in a relatively splash-less jacknife.

The big whales are here too. The Fin is the second largest after the Blue Whale, and can grow as long as 85 feet, but usually they are smaller. Also known as the 'razorback', Fin whales have a long flattish head and a ridged tail.

The Sperm whale is the one you think of when you think of Moby Dick - you'll know it by its huge square head, although it tends to spend most if its time underneath the surface. Facts on the Sperm whale... they can live for eighty years - they can stop breathing for 90 minutes - they are the largest of all toothed whales - their blow can rise 50 feet in the air.

And of course the whales are only part of the life offshore Newfoundland... dolphins, porpoises, zillions of birds and icebergs are all part of the natural habitat. Look back at this site soon to find out more about Newfoundland - where the warmth of summer wind softens the rugged landscape and frees the spirit of those who are willing stop to draw a breath.

JELLYFISH

Beautiful but dangerous, these jellyfish look very delicate but if threatened they can deliver a nasty sting through their numerous filaments.

LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE

These turtles are a somewhat rare site in the waters off Newfoundland, but occasionally a large one shows up. They can get up to the size of a small boat.

LOON & BABY

SNOWSHOE HARE

RED FOX

SCULPINS ON THE SEA FLOOR

SEAL AT REST