Citizen scientist documents raccoon in Prince Rupert.

Citizen scientist Jim McLauglin recently sent us a photo that documents the occurrence of a raccoon in Prince Rupert.  Mammal specialist Dave Nagorsen says: "[This is] the northernmost occurrence on the BC mainland to my knowledge. Could be an escaped pet or an accidental transport from the Haida Gwaii population or a southern population?"

While we don't know the origin of the raccoon, it is observations like this that help to inform our knowledge of BC wildlife species.   Thanks Jim!

Mammals of BC 2019

Recent genetic work on mammals has resulted in changes to species recognition.  In BC, this has affected species recognized in the province.  An updated list of mammals of BC is being prepared by mammal expert Dave Nagorsen.  According to Nagorsen (pers. comm. 2019) some of the coming changes include splitting of water shrews, dusky shrews and flying squirrels into two species.  We also now recognize two species of martens in BC, American Marten (Martes americana) in eastern BC and Pacific Marten (Martes caurina) in western BC.  Animals found in between may be either species, or hybrids.   Watch for the new checklist to learn more.  Thanks to Dave Nagorsen for providing this information.

Database Updates 2019

We have just updated the E-Flora BC databases, including a recent version of the Royal BC Museum vascular plant database. Information should be current. Check our atlas pages to view any range or status updates.