Small mammals

Small mammals exist in all ecosystems of Wapusk National Park. From arctic hare on the northern tundra, to voles in the peatlands, to the various members of the weasel family that live in the trees of the boreal forest, these small mammals are critical parts of the ecosystem in Wapusk National Park. Researchers working in the park look at the predator-prey dynamics between the small mammals and carnivores that prey on them as key indicators of ecological health.

Weasels

In the forested southern part of Wapusk National Park, various members of the weasel family are easily found. The American marten, Ermine, fisher, river otter, least weasel and mink all call the boreal forest environment home. These weasels are both predator and prey, consuming other small mammals like lemmings and mice. In turn, they are important prey for foxes, wolves or birds of prey. Across northern Manitoba, trapping is still a common practice and weasels are commonly harvested by trappers.

Lemmings, mice, and squirrels

In the northern tundra and peatlands, the environment features grasses, mosses, lichens and short shrubs. In this environment mice, squirrels and hares are the most common small mammals on the landscape. Four type of lemmings, which are small members of the mouse family, are inside Wapusk National Park. While tiny, they are a favoured food source of both the arctic and red foxes that build their dens in this area of the park.

Lemming and fox population dynamics follow a standard predator-prey cycle. Researchers in Wapusk are using that cycle to help understand the health of the ecosystem and the effects of climate change in the arctic. Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) and snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) are the two members of the hare and rabbit family that call Wapusk home. Both turn white in the winter for camouflage, but the arctic hare has distinct white tips on its ears that help tell the two species apart.

Beaver

The American beaver (Castor canadensis), one of Canada’s most iconic species, resides in the park. As the largest rodent in North America, the beaver narrowly fits into the small mammal grouping. These animals make their homes in slow moving rivers, creeks or in ponds and marshes. This makes the broad wetland environment of Wapusk National Park an ideal habitat. Historically, the beaver was very important to this area. They were the keystone species of the fur trade and drove European interest in the region.