Churchill, Manitoba

Polar Bear statue in Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill is a Canadian town on the Hudson Bay in the far north of the province of Manitoba. It's best known for polar bears that inhabit the area in the fall. When the bears show up so do the safaris in raised, reinforced tundra vehicles that allow for up-close encounters in the wild. In the summer months, beluga whales are on view in the Churchill River. The area also offers the chance for witness the Northern Lights.

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Moose

Photo By Bell Ronald L,

Moose are the largest of all the deer species. Males are immediately recognizable by their huge antlers, which can spread 6 feet from end to end and are used to fight off other moose that try to steal his girl during mating season. Moose have long faces and muzzles that dangle over their chins. A flap of skin known as a bell sways beneath each moose's throat. 

Rutt and Tuke from the Disney movie Brother Bear, voiced by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas
 or otherwise known as the Canadian comedy icons The Mckenzie Brothers.

Moose are at home in the water and, despite their staggering bulk, are good swimmers. They have been seen paddling several miles at a time, and will even submerge completely, staying under for 30 seconds or more. Moose are similarly nimble on land. They can run up to 35 miles an hour over short distances, and trot steadily at 20 miles an hour. If you have seen a moose in the wild, count yourself lucky some people wait 33 years to see the illusive moose. (at least that is how long I waited)

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The North American Beaver

Photo from CBC article

The Beaver (castor canadensis) was key to our country's creation. Beavers topped the wildlife most wanted list in the 1600s and early 1700s when fur hats became ''So hot right now'' in the world of European fashion. Because North America had an impressive beaver population to exploit, soon both English and French traders would deal in the pelts at 20 times their original purchase price from North American aboriginals. This profitable fur trade was the basis of the North American colonies, and in due course, the image of the beaver popped up a few times over the years: on the Hudson's Bay Company's coat of arms in 1678, on the armourial bearings of Quebec City and Montreal and on Canada's first stamp in 1851. Later in 1937 the beaver became a part of Canadian royalty when it was placed on a Canadian 5 cent coin.

Depending on your thoughts of the beaver, it's either a buck-toothed rat or it's a cuddly, cartoon character. Along the way pop culture has had an effect on the name of the beaver to make, giving us endless silly innuendos.

One of the best examples of this and maybe the most memorable film quote involving the furry rodent happens between beloved late Canadian comedian Leslie Nielsen and Priscilla Presley in 'The Naked Gun': “Nice beaver,” says Nielson as Frank Drebin. “Thanks, I've just had it stuffed,” replies Presley as she comes down a ladder, the taxidermied animal in her hands. The euphemism caused Canada's second-oldest magazine named “The Beaver,” to change its name to “Canada's History” in 2010 because its name was confusing visitors to its website and newsletters were getting caught in Internet filters.

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Hinterland Who's Who

Screenshot of Hinterland's Who's Who

Thanks to Hinterland Who's Who, I know a bit about the animals that represent our country like the illustrious beaver, the renowned moose, the distinguished gannet and the famed loon all noble animals and all proudly Canadian. 

When you are out and about in nature and you see an animal and you don't try to copy the narrator from this series, you are not living life to its fullest. Give it a try next time you are out, it's great fun. 

Hinterland Who's Who is best known as a series of 60-second public service announcements paying homage to Canadian animals. The series was produced by Environment Canada Wildlife Service and the National Film Board of Canada in the 1960's and 70"s, and re-launched by the Canadian Wildlife Federation in the 2000's. While the word "hinterland" refers to an area near a coast line or river bank, the series explores wildlife throughout Canada, regardless of where they roam.

The Loon

The Beaver

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