Saskatchewan’s Summer Wildlife: August Adventures
August in Saskatchewan is a vibrant time for wildlife enthusiasts. The province’s diverse ecosystems, from grasslands and forests to wetlands and lakes, provide a habitat for many animals. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a casual observer, here’s a guide to some of the remarkable creatures you can encounter in Saskatchewan during the late summer.
Birds of a Feather
Sharp Tailed Grouse
The sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) is a medium-sized bird known for its pointed tail feathers and intricate mating dances, often referred to as “dancing chickens.” These birds are commonly found in the open prairies, grasslands, and boreal forests of Saskatchewan. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, berries, and insects during the summer, and buds, twigs, and leaves during the winter.
Burrowing Owl
These small, ground-dwelling owls (Athene cunicularia) are known for their long legs and distinctive behavior and are often seen in open grasslands and agricultural areas, like Grasslands National Park. Burrowing owls are unique among owls as they nest in burrows, those abandoned by prairie dogs, badgers, or other burrowing animals. Unlike most owls, burrowing owls are diurnal and are active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. However, they can also be active at night.
Western Meadowlark
The cheerful song of the Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a hallmark of the prairies. These bright, yellow-breasted birds are often seen perched on fence posts or singing from atop shrubs in open grasslands. Another bird that doesn’t make their home in trees, Western Meadowlarks are ground nesters, building their nests in grassy areas where they can remain well hidden. They exhibit interesting behaviours such as “anting,” where they allow ants to crawl over their bodies. This is believed to help in the removal of parasites.
Mammals in the Wild
Pronghorn
North America’s fastest land mammal, resembling a mix between an antelope and a deer. Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are regularly seen in open prairies and grasslands, particularly in southwestern Saskatchewan. Known for their incredible speed, pronghorns can run up to 60 miles per hour, making them the fastest land animal in North America. They are also known for their long-distance migrations, particularly in the northern parts of their range and are highly social animals, often found in herds. During the summer, females and their young form nursery herds, while males form bachelor groups or live solitarily. In the winter, large mixed-sex herds may form.
Bison
Saskatchewan is home to both the plains bison (Bison bison bison) and the wood bison (Bison bison athabascae). The plains bison are more commonly found in the southern regions, while wood bison inhabit the northern areas, particularly around Prince Albert National Park. These massive animals, once on the brink of extinction, offer a glimpse into the past of the North American plains. Bison are keystone species in their habitats, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of the grassland ecosystems. Their grazing patterns promote plant diversity, and their wallowing behavior creates microhabitats beneficial for other species.
Swift Fox
Small, agile, and primarily nocturnal, the swift fox (Vulpes velox) is one of the rarest mammals in Saskatchewan. Swift foxes are generally monogamous and form strong pair bonds. They often share their territory with their mate and offspring. They are nocturnal, spending their days in underground dens and hunting at night. These foxes are adept diggers, creating extensive burrow systems with multiple entrances. They use these dens for shelter, raising their young, and escaping predators. Swift foxes have relatively small home ranges compared to other canid species. They are territorial and mark their territory with scent markings and can be found in Grasslands National Park and surrounding prairies.
Lizards & Amphibians
Greater Short Horned Lizard
The greater short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) is a small, flat-bodied lizard with a distinctive crown of horns on its head and a spiky appearance. In Saskatchewan, they are primarily found in the southern part of the province, in dry, rocky areas with sparse vegetation. These lizards are known for their ability to remain motionless and blend into their surroundings to avoid predators. They can also squirt blood from their eyes as a defense mechanism.
Wood Frog
The wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) is a medium-sized frog with a distinctive dark mask across its eyes and a brown, tan, or reddish coloration. Wood frogs are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands throughout Saskatchewan. They are particularly adapted to cold climates and can be found even in the boreal forest. Wood frogs are known for their remarkable ability to survive freezing temperatures by entering a state of suspended animation during winter. Their bodies can partially freeze, with ice forming in their tissues and organs.
Insects and Other Critters
Boreal Scorpion
The boreal scorpion (Paruroctonus boreus) is a small scorpion species that can be found in parts of Saskatchewan, usually in dry, sandy areas, and under rocks or debris in boreal forest regions. They are typically yellow to brown in color with a segmented tail that ends in a venomous stinger. Boreal scorpions are nocturnal and come out at night to hunt for insects and other small invertebrates. They use their stinger to immobilize prey.
Autumn Meadowhawk
The autumn meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) is a small dragonfly with a bright red or yellowish body. It’s one of the latest-flying dragonflies, often seen into late autumn near ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams in open areas. Autumn meadowhawks are active and agile fliers that like basking in the sun on vegetation or rocks. They are territorial and can be seen defending their breeding sites.
Tips for Wildlife Viewing
- Visit protected areas: National and provincial parks, such as Grasslands National Park and Prince Albert National Park, are excellent places for wildlife viewing.
- Bring binoculars: A good pair of binoculars can enhance your experience, allowing you to observe animals from a distance without disturbing them. Find binoculars and other outdoor essentials on Mysask411 here!
- Be patient and quiet: Wildlife is often wary of humans, so patience and quiet observation increase your chances of seeing more animals.
- Respect nature: Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife, and never feed or try to interact with wild animals. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace to minimize your impact on natural habitats.
Saskatchewan’s diverse wildlife is a testament to the province’s rich natural heritage. Whether you’re exploring the prairies, forests, or wetlands, you’re sure to encounter some of the province’s most fascinating creatures. So, grab your binoculars, pack a map or field guide, and embark on a wildlife adventure!
-Paige Sandvold is a Marketing Manager on the Revenue Growth Team