| |
FUR BEARING ANIMALS IN MANITOBA AND NORTHWARD | |
|
By J. D. A. EVANS
The immortal Kipling wrote of Canada as the Lady of the Snows. This title is of applicability to most territory of the Dominion; in particular to such known as the Province of Manitoba. But, nevertheless the snowy wastes are of immense utility from n certain point of view, for are such not marked with footpads of fur bearing tribe, and mean much not alone to they of the trap line, but form an accouterment by which to defy rigors of a Canadian winter.
I, the writer will, from knowledge obtained through lengthy residence in Manitoba, speak of the fur bearing animals. It must be remembered that to the once confines of Rupert's Land, there have been added during recent years much territory which sketches to the shoreline of Hudson Bay. Manitoba proper represents an area of agricultural lands; the remainder, some three quarters of the entire province, furnishes sanctuary for fur bearing animals, a summarized list of which is as follows:
Raccoon are practically confined to localities northward. An occasional specimen is reported in the timber fringe of the wheat lands. Amid northern wilds the raccoon roams at will, and is reported as of plenteous distribution within the dense tamarack eastward to the Lake of the Woods.
Skunks are extremely plentiful. The agricultural districts are never minus a supply, a fact the farmer learns from practical experience.
Manitoba proper is not the timber wolf's home. In northern regions this ferocious prowler is claimed as exceedingly numerous. The bark of coyote is audible any winter night in a majority of farming districts and a bounty of two dollars paid for its destruction.
Fox are not common. Many residents of Manitoba have never observed this cunning creature which practically confines its abode to certain districts. The fox of Manitoba is red in color. Trapline men of the northland are authority for the statement thirteen vulpine varieties may be obtained. These include silver, black and cross pelts.
Any other skins dispatched from Manitoba have been obtained in remote localities. The animal is practically extinct save in northward zones.
Stringent prohibitory enactment against capture by any method whatever, is the beaver's protection. Dams of this animal are observable in few streams only. Early years of Manitoba witnessed the beaver of profuse distribution.
Lynx are seen at intervals even in agricultural districts. The dense tamarack swamps of Southeastern Manitoba are tenanted by the cat family, but a majority of the pelts marketed are obtained in northern wilds.
The marten's footprints have not been seen in Manitoba proper for many years.
Visitors to the berry patches are sometimes favored with a view of the bear, which frequently continues its journey into the farming localities. The white bear is often observable on shores of Hudson Bay.
Muskrats abound. The river or waterway minus this animal is a rarity.
The weasel is common to all districts.
In regions away to the north roams the fisher. No authentic report of this furbearer's appearance in Manitoba proper has been received for several years.
Badgers are plentiful on the prairies.
The wild cat is not frequently met with save in zones northward.
The wolverine is not known in Manitoba, proper. It is said to be far too plentiful in woods away to the northward of Lake Winnipeg.
Hunter-Trader-Trapper. October: 1921,
| |
| |
