Page 369 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Canada

Must See

WILDLIFE ON BAFFIN ISLAND
Despite, and likely because of, the severe
climatic conditions they face, some of
the planet’s most robust and unusual
wildlife exists on Baffin Island. Polar
bears, Arctic foxes, and caribou are found
wandering along its barren lands, while
walruses, narwhals, and beluga whales
swim in its icy seas. Guided excursions
will ensure you’ll see and learn more
about these unique northern creatures. 1
Polar Bears
As the largest carnivore on land, the great
white bear of the north can be spotted
throughout the year. Called nanuq in
Inuktitut, polar bears are avid swimmers
with a keen sense of smell, and spend much
of their time prowling the sea-ice for seals.
Arctic Foxes
Lurking around wherever polar bears are
hunting, the Arctic fox is a scavenger but
also preys on lemmings, birds, and fish. 2
These fierce mammals are active year-
round and can survive in icy temperatures
of up to -58°F (-50°C) thanks to their
incredibly dense and multilayered fur.
Caribou
A North American cousin of the reindeer,
caribou migrate across Baffin Island in
herds of up to 10,000, covering as many as
1,600 miles (2,575 km) every year. They
head north for the tundra in the spring,
and south into the forest during winter.
3
Walrus
Typically found basking on rocks, these
huge mammals will dive to the sea bottom
to find their favorite food – bivalve mollusks,
and can eat up to 4,000 of them in one go.
Large walrus herds can be seen in the Foxe
Basin, on the western side of Baffin Island.
Narwhals
Known as the unicorns of the sea, these
spiral-tusked creatures are unforgettable.
The floe edge of Lancaster Sound, on the
northern end of Baffin Island, is one of the 4
best places to spot these elusive creatures.

1 Polar bear family searching
for food on Baffin Island.
2 An arctic fox in the summer.
3 A male Caribou.
4 Walrus riding the waves
near Foxe Basin.
5 Aerial view of Narwhals in
the sea off Lancaster Sound.
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