A display case features several North American mammals that are designated mustelidae, a family of carnivorous mammals. The river and sea otters, the American mink, the marten, various weasels, ermines, fishers, the badger, and the wolverine all belong to this group and can be found in the display.
A larger diorama features a confrontation between sled dogs and musk oxen in the far north.
This panel examines the social structure of mammals. Some live in packs, groups, or herds, while others live more or less a solitary existence, but they follow certain social rules for their species.
Here we have a diorama of caribou.
Display cases beyond feature smaller animals, such as the skunk.
The porcupine is its neighbour.
More dioramas include this one for an Arctic ground squirrel.
This one is the Eastern grey squirrel. The accompanying panel says the location is the Gatineau Hills. The painted background suggests the spot might well be one of the lookouts on the west flank of the Hills, as that ground and river look similar to views from the Champlain Lookout. Decide for yourself by looking at my posts from last fall here and here for looks from the spot.
I finish today with another diorama, featuring the collared pika, a tiny resident of the far north.
I really sometimes wonder about nature! Why does she make skunks look so darn cute?!
ReplyDeleteAmazing how well the pika blend into its rocky home.
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to see a squirrel when I was visiting America ... I guess like people are so happy to see kangaroos here.
ReplyDeleteBelos animais.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e um bom fim-de-semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados
...they sure come in all sizes and shapes!
ReplyDeleteThe caribou remind me of those old claymation Santa Claus movies. Something about the way they are standing on the snow.
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived in central Newfoundland, caribou crossed the roads during the migrations. It was always a treat to see them.
ReplyDeleteune belle exposition
ReplyDelete@Iris: they are cute.
ReplyDelete@John: that is true.
@Joan: I can appreciate that.
@Francisco: thank you.
@Tom: they do.
@Sandi: I can see that.
@Marie: I'd love to see that.
@Bergson: thanks!
I'm struck by all the amazing species that all have a niche that is just right for their lives in nature. I see so few of them, yet they live their lives doing just what they want and need to do! It makes me feel very small indeed.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the caribou on the Avalon in Newfoundland.
ReplyDeleteInteresting dioramas. I especially like the caribou, never having seen one before. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting part of the museum...
ReplyDeleteI'd never thought about mammals and their social habits. Some herds are huge. So I guess a pika knows another pika
ReplyDeleteThis is one place which I will enjoy looking at the exhibits.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of nature's gems on display ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
What a fantastic place. It said I had already Tweeted.
ReplyDeleteThose dioramas are very impressive.
ReplyDeleteUse to see huge caribou herds in Alaska. They are impressive when there are hundreds of them following the migration trail.
ReplyDelete@Barbara: I agree.
ReplyDelete@Shammickite: a sight I'd love to see.
@DJan: I only have in zoos.
@Italiafinlandia: that it is.
@Red: and pikas can be territorial.
@Nancy: I certainly enjoy it.
@Carol: thank you.
@Mari: thanks!
@Sharon: they are.
@Bill: that's true.
I'm sure I made this comment before, but do not find it, so I will repeat myself. It is very difficult to take good pictures through glass, and you take excellent pictures through glass. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNice dioramas! And Joanne is right - it's hard to take good pictures through glass. (I'm going to be away for about a week & may not be commenting regularly though I have posts scheduled while I'm gone.)
ReplyDeleteFabulous! The caribou are such beautifully elegant creatures ✨
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see the setting too, like the Gatineau Hills.
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely post William, thank you for taking and sharing these photographs.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
we had a bit of a scent of a skunk just the other AM .. so kind of scary ... who wants to walk near one of those critters. they are no fun ... stink. lol!! ( ;
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've seen a live badger. We do have porcupines, and skunks galore! We've never had a problem with the skunk. Even though Hooper chased it. I love nature!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking that poor sled dog wouldn't stand a chance!
ReplyDeleteThe porcupine is cute.
ReplyDelete@Joanne: you're welcome.
ReplyDelete@Kay: thank you.
@Grace: they are.
@Anvilcloud: I'm pretty sure I know the exact spot it's based on.
@Jan: you're welcome.
@Beth: skunks are neat animals, as long as you don't startle them.
@Jennifer: I haven't had problems with skunks, and occasionally see them.
@Jeanie: best to run off and not provoke the beasties.
@Klara: I think so too.