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Voyageurs National Park (8)
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Other Animals
Of course, the beaver is not the only animal in the park. As in nearby Isle Royale National Park there are some gray (or eastern timber) wolves in the park, perhaps a couple dozen. It is also estimated that there are somewhere between a few dozen and 200 moose in the park as well, although both of these species are relatively difficult to observe. The elk and caribou of past times are longer found in the north woods area.
In addition to the large mammals in the park there are a great many small ones as well, including the eastern chipmunk with its dark brown stripes.
Voyageurs National Park is rich in birdlife as well as mammals. One common waterbird seen in the park is the gull, pictured below.
Gulls can often be spotted on or around docks and marinas where fisherman congregate.
Among the most well known of the birds in the park is the common loon. The loon is the state bird of Minnesota, and anyone who has spent any time in the north woods cannot forget the plaintive call of this striking bird which carries long distances over the water. These birds may dive as deep as 200 feet in pursuit of fish. The rising and falling level of the lake surface, due to the existence and operation of the dams, has a negative effect on the nests of these birds.
In addition to the loon and gulls, there are cormorants and mergansers and other waterfowl in the lake area. These include pelicans (below, right). The white pelican has an amazing 9 foot wingspan and is among the largest species of waterfowl in North America.
Undoubtedly the most impressive of birds in the park is the bald eagle. These magnificent birds occupy nests which are large enough in many cases to sleep a human. In the silhouette below an eagle can be seen stretching his wings while standing on one of these huge nests. The wing span of these enormous birds may be between 6 and 8 feet.
It has been estimated in the past that there were about 14 pairs of bald eagles in the park.
The painted turtle can also be seen in aquatic portions of the park. Awkward on land, it is graceful and efficient in the water.
The painted turtle is easy to recognize due to its distinctive yellow stripes on head and tail., although its shell makes it fairly difficult to spot as it swims or crawls along the shore.
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- All photographs ©Patrick Holleran, Shannon Technologies, 1994-2010
- Commercial use of the images contained in this document without express written consent is strictly prohibited.
- Comments and other remarks can be sent via e-mail to parkvision@shannontech.com
