Brunswick's Wildlife

New Brunswick, Canada, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from large mammals to rare butterflies. The province is predominantly forested, with mixed forests and coastal sand dunes. The forests support large carnivores such as bobcats, Canada lynx, and black bears, as well as herbivores like moose and white-tailed deer. The region also boasts an array of marine life, including humpback whales, harbour porpoises, and seals. New Brunswick's mountains, beaches, rivers, and varied landscapes provide habitats for numerous species. The Bay of Fundy, known for its extreme tides, is a popular destination for whale watching and birdwatching.

Large carnivores and herbivores

New Brunswick is one of thirteen provinces and territories of Canada. Most of the province is covered in secondary or tertiary forest. These forests are home to a variety of large carnivores and herbivores.

Large Carnivores

The bobcat, Canada lynx, and black bear are large carnivores that inhabit the forests of New Brunswick. Bobcats are medium-sized cats native to North America. They are featured in the folklore of indigenous peoples of North and Central America, as well as European-descended inhabitants of the Americas. The Canada lynx is another forest-dwelling cat native to North America. The black bear is a large carnivore that occupies various habitats in New Brunswick but generally prefers inaccessible terrain. They can be attracted to human settlements by garbage, bird feeders, and coolers.

Large Herbivores

The moose and white-tailed deer are large herbivores that inhabit the forests of New Brunswick. The moose is the largest member of the deer family and thrives in colder climates due to its massive size and insulated fur. They are highly susceptible to the effects of climate change, and warmer winters have resulted in higher tick infestations, causing moose populations to decline. The white-tailed deer is a medium-sized deer native to the Americas, where it is the most widely distributed wild ungulate. They are comfortable in suburban environments and are often found near human settlements.

Marine mammals

The Bay of Fundy is also home to several species of seals, including harbour seals and grey seals. Harbour seals are about 5 feet in length and weigh around 200 pounds, with grey to brown or black colouring and mottled spots. Grey seals, on the other hand, can weigh up to an incredible 800 pounds and have a "horse-like" snout.

In addition to the larger marine mammals, there are also smaller mammals such as the North American river otter, which is a semi-aquatic mammal that lives along the waterways and coasts of Brunswick.

Reptiles

One of the most distinctive reptiles in Brunswick is the common garter snake (*Thamnophis sirtalis*). It is recognised by its distinctive black-and-white striped pattern and red or yellow markings on its sides. This species is active during the day and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and near water sources.

The red-bellied snake (*Storeria occipitomaculata*) is another Brunswick native. As its name suggests, it is identified by its reddish belly, which contrasts with its brown or grey back and sides. This species is typically found in wooded areas, where it hunts for small prey such as insects and worms.

The smooth greensnake (*Opheodrys vernalis*) is a slender, bright green snake with a white or cream-coloured underside. It is often found in grassy or brushy areas, where its colouration provides excellent camouflage. Smooth greensnakes are non-venomous and feed on insects, slugs, and other small invertebrates.

Brunswick is also home to several species of turtles, including the common snapping turtle (*Chelydra serpentina*). This large freshwater turtle is known for its combative disposition when out of the water and its powerful beak-like jaws. They can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Another turtle species in the region is the painted turtle (*Chrysemys picta*), which is the most widespread native turtle in North America. They are identified by their colourful shells, with red and yellow stripes on a black or dark brown background. Painted turtles are semi-aquatic and can be found in a variety of habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.

In addition to these species, Brunswick is also home to various other reptiles, including the eastern hog-nosed snake, the blue racer, and the wood turtle. Each of these species contributes to the diverse and fascinating herpetofauna of the region.

Amphibians

New Brunswick is a Canadian province on the Atlantic coast, known for its rich biodiversity. Here is an overview of the amphibians that call this place home:

American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)

The American toad is a common amphibian species found throughout Canada and the eastern United States. It has three recognised subspecies: the eastern American toad, the dwarf American toad, and the rare Texas toad. Toads play an essential role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by preying on insects and serving as a food source for other animals.

Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)

The gray treefrog is a small amphibian species known for its ability to change colour from gray to green, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. They are often found in forested areas near water bodies, such as ponds or streams, where they breed and hunt for insects.

Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)

The spring peeper is a small chorus frog known for its distinctive chirping call that signals the arrival of spring. They are widespread throughout the eastern United States and Canada, favouring habitats with abundant vegetation near ponds or wetlands.

American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

The American bullfrog is a large and robust frog species native to North America. They are recognised by their powerful hind legs and can be found near ponds, lakes, and other aquatic habitats. Bullfrogs are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of prey, including insects, fish, and even small mammals.

Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)

The green frog is a medium-sized frog species found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and backyards with suitable water sources. They are excellent swimmers and climbers, often seen perched on branches or rocks near water. Green frogs play a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)

The pickerel frog is a small North American frog characterised by square-shaped markings on its dorsal surface, resembling the pattern on a pickerel fish. They are typically found near ponds, wetlands, and wooded areas, where they feed on insects and small invertebrates.

Mink Frog (Lithobates septentrionalis)

The mink frog is a small frog species native to the United States and Canada. They are named for their distinctive musky scent, reminiscent of the odour of a mink. These frogs are typically found in forested regions near ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams.

Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)

The wood frog is a common amphibian species found in forested areas across North America. They have exceptional freezing tolerance and can survive the freezing of a significant portion of their body fluids during winter. Wood frogs play an essential role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems.

Birds

Brunswick, a province within Canada, is home to a diverse range of bird species. The province's location within the Appalachian Mountain range and its varied ecosystems, including temperate forests and a large marine environment, contribute to this diversity.

Water Birds

Brunswick is a great place to spot water birds, especially along its coastlines and in the Bay of Fundy. The Atlantic Puffin, for example, is a common bird in the region, known for nesting on Machias Seal Island, which is shared between Canada and the United States. Other water birds include various species of ducks, geese, and waterfowl, such as the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, the Snow Goose, and the Canada Goose. The Common Loon, with its distinctive spear-shaped bill, is also a bird adapted to the aquatic life, frequently found in Brunswick's large marine environment.

The province is also home to several birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, and kites. The Sharp-shinned Hawk, for instance, is a common bird of prey in the region, with a 9% sighting frequency near feeders. The Bald Eagle, a powerful bird with a large wingspan, is another notable bird of prey in the area.

Songbirds

Songbirds, such as the American Robin, are abundant in Brunswick. The American Robin is a familiar bird with a rusty red breast and a dark head and back, commonly found in various habitats, from forests to backyards. The Northern Cardinal, with its stunning red plumage, is another popular songbird in the region, often seen at bird feeders.

Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are well-represented in Brunswick, with several species making their home in the province's forests. The Downy Woodpecker, a small woodpecker with a short bill, is one of the most common birds in the region, frequently visiting backyards. The Hairy Woodpecker, on the other hand, is slightly larger and can be found in mature forests, suburban areas, and even cemeteries.

Other Notable Birds

In addition to the birds already mentioned, Brunswick is also home to a variety of other birds. The European Starling, an invasive species originally from Europe, is now one of the most abundant and widespread birds in the province. The American Goldfinch, a small and colourful bird, is also a common sight, known for its roller-coaster-like flight patterns. The Black-capped Chickadee, a beloved tiny bird with an oversized head and a black cap, is often found in open deciduous forests and backyards.

Birdwatching in Brunswick

The province of Brunswick offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with its varied landscapes and ecosystems. Bird enthusiasts can spot a wide range of species, from water birds along the coast to songbirds in the forests and backyards.

Frequently asked questions