Animals Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Cascade Vacation Rentals

1 01, 2020

Caribou
Caribou

Caribou

Jaye2021-02-25T21:30:56+00:00Animals|

Some time ago, caribou were roaming the North Shore but were driven out. These large deer species prefer mature pine forests. So when logging started removing their habitat, they left. Over-hunting and the appearance of the whitetail deer also all took part in the disappearance of caribou in Minnesota. They left behind only pictures and stories of those who had once seen them. How Whitetailed Deer Lead to the Caribou Depopulation When the timber located in northern Minnesota was removed by loggers, young trees appeared. This provided an ideal habitat for whitetail deer. Their population started to soar. Why would [...]

1 01, 2020

Cross Fox
Cross Fox

Cross Fox

Jaye2021-02-25T21:43:09+00:00Animals|

The cross fox has a color that is similar to the red fox, but what sets it apart from the other species is its distinct long dark stripe. The stripe runs down its back, intersecting another stripe to form a cross over the shoulders. If you’ve ever seen one of these fascinating creatures, you are one of the few lucky people to have had that chance. They are much rarer than a standard red fox. Although not as valuable as silver foxes, the coats from cross foxes were often traded among fur traders. The value of the pelt depended largely [...]

1 01, 2020

Canada Lynx
Canada Lynx

Canada Lynx

Jaye2021-02-25T21:44:48+00:00Animals|

The Canada Lynx is a medium-sized feline known for its ability to stealthily roam the northern Minnesota woods. Their bodies vary in color from shades of brown to beige with dark spots. There are four species of lynx in the world, with two living in Minnesota: the Canada Lynx and the Bobcat. All four species have a white furry chest that grooms down onto the inside of their legs. They have abnormally large padded paws that assist them when walking in the deep snow, similar to a human snowshoe. Standing roughly 19 to 22 inches tall and with an overall [...]

1 01, 2020

Bobcats
Bobcats

Bobcats

Jaye2021-02-25T21:47:41+00:00Animals|

The bobcat is the most common wildcat in North America, and lives in the woods on the North Shore! Bobcats are a medium-sized cat that has shades of beige and brown fur, with distinct spotted markings. Also, they have a short bobbed tail, from which it gets its name. The bobcat is usually confused with its bigger cousin, the lynx. However, they are different species of wild cat. The biggest difference between the two animals is their size and a white tip on their short black tail. Approximately 725,000 to 1,020,000 bobcats remain in the wild. About 2,000 of them [...]

1 01, 2020

Snowy Owls
Snowy Owls

Snowy Owls

Jaye2021-02-25T21:57:26+00:00Animals|

Snowy Owls, the largest of the North American owls, are beautiful, large white birds that call the North Shore their home. Their white bodies and wings have varying amounts of brown or black markings on them, with females tending to have more. The white body helps camouflage the big bulky body of the owl in the winters. The Snowy Owl will travel great distances in search of prey and for breeding purposes. Unlike most owls, Snowy Owls are very active throughout the day and rely on their hearing to find prey. Habitat In winter, Snowy Owls tend to move toward [...]

1 01, 2020

Wolves
Wolves

Wolves

Jaye2021-02-25T22:15:17+00:00Animals|

On Lake Superior's North Shore, wolves are alive and well! The 2018 DNR population survey reported 439 packs and over 2,200 wolves living within Minnesota. They are found primarily in the northern half of the state. That survey also showed that the population of the grey wolf was growing, increasing from just 374 packs found during the previous survey. Population Recovery This is a great recovery from a century ago when the wolf population dwindled to almost zero. This was primarily due to active hunting. It used to be that if you hunted a wolf and turned in a paw [...]

1 01, 2020

Dog Sledding
Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding

Martha Finley2024-01-16T16:51:54+00:00Activities & Attractions, Animals|

A Community of Dog Sledders Along the North Shore By Aliya Marxen From Silver Bay to Grand Marais along the North Shore of Lake Superior, dog sledding binds communities together for winter fun and worthy causes. If you are a dog, and in particular any dog that has thick fur and likes to pull a sled, the frosty forests of the North Shore must seem like heaven. Endless trails to bolt down. Things to smell. Wildlife to chase! Is there anything that can bring a smile to your face quicker than a dog as he bounds about free? Resident [...]

1 01, 2020

Whitetail Deer
Whitetail Deer

Whitetail Deer

Jaye2023-03-15T13:40:30+00:00Animals|

Whitetail deer are amongst the most common animals spotted along Minnesota's North Shore. With a healthy population that thrives in the local environment, the whitetail deer population in Northern Minnesota is healthy and thriving! But, there are some interesting facts about the behavior of these large mammals that many wintertime visitors notice. Sightings Around and In Lake Superior If you’ve been to the North Shore in the winter months, you may have noticed something strange about the local whitetail deer. You tend to see many of them along Highway 61. Do you know why? With the cold temperatures and snowfall [...]

1 01, 2020

Dire Wolf
Dire Wolf

Dire Wolf

Martha Finley2021-10-05T17:25:50+00:00Activities & Attractions, Animals, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

The Dire Wolf, also known as the fearsome dog, is an extinct species and is perhaps one of the most famous prehistoric carnivores in North America. Its long, sharp fangs and huge body that is considerably larger than a gray wolf. This makes it a unique animal. One that you would not want to mess with! The dire wolf is believed to be extinct for almost 10,000 years. However, a trucker driving on Highway 61 hit and killed a large-bodied wolf years ago. He couldn't help but make a call to the DNR to have them check it out. When [...]

1 01, 2020

Common Loons
Common Loons

Common Loons

Jaye2021-02-25T23:03:22+00:00Animals|

Common Loons are a Minnesota icon; as a matter fact, it is our state bird. They are commonly spotted on inland lakes throughout Northwoods. Common Loons have a black head and bill, a black-and-white spotted back, and a white bill. They are fairly large at roughly 7-9 pounds and 30-35 inches long. Loons are stealthy divers who like to use their dagger bills to catch fish. Because their feet stick out beyond their tails they are unable to walk on land very easily. They will sometimes act a little “looney” and stick one foot out of the water wagging it [...]

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