Wildersmith on the Gunflint: December 12

Headed toward the midpoint of the month and the north woods winter has become a big frump. Our area is going on nearly two months since we had any worthwhile precipitation. Although border country did get a scant coating of white stuff earlier this week, the substantial deliveries of such have gone elsewhere, making us look like a desert tundra in several locales.    

Our minimal snow cover is stimulating many of the wild neighborhood critters to be out and about. I’ve either observed or been told of nearly every animal one could expect to see around here this time of year.                                                                                                                                                                    
Moose sightings are becoming a daily norm along the Trail during the twilight and nighttime hours. On a couple ramblings up and down the Trail I have found any number of gatherings along this 60-mile salt lick. As recently as last Monday the Smiths got a rare, up-close photo op with a big cow along the Trail. She was so cordial as to walk up out of a ditch to within a few feet of the vehicle and pose, looking us straight in the eye.                                                 

Many other folks also report encountering the iconic guys and gals out getting their mineral fix. I don’t know if we are all seeing the same ones, but if not, it is encouraging that there could be a stabilizing of the moose herd along the byway corridor.                                                                
Numerous accounts have been filed on wolf activity. A gal skiing over in the Crab Lake area reports of a caucus along the ski path during the past few days, although they had dispersed long before her arrival. Then as recently as last weekend, a pack of seven made their way from Canada across Gunflint Lake near Gunflint Lodge. Nobody I know of challenged them on being legal immigrants. Meanwhile, there are plenty of signs that they are making nightly sojourns along our south shore and up on the Mile O Pine.     

Adding to the adventures of nocturnal animal movement, on a recent late-night trek down the road toward Wildersmith, we encountered a big beautiful lynx intersecting our path. The big cat didn’t allow for much of a look-see as it scampered off into the forest headed toward Heston’s Lodge as we passed.                                                                                                      

A few whitetails have come back to our yard since closing of the rifle hunting season. For the most part, they seem to be returnees from previous years. All are familiar with these surroundings, and know exactly what windows through which they can see us and transmit their forlorn hungry look.

We are already observing more fox activity about the yard than we had all of last year. My superior skill at catching the tiny rodents in a couple outbuildings is more than keeping them supplied with bonus treats for just passing through.   

If the fox don’t get these rodent catches, then the pine martens have been readily cleaning up any leftovers. We have either one or several that are now visiting with regularity. One night last week, one was found inside a tiny squirrel lunch box feeder on our deck side feeding rail. It was trying to finish off the remaining sunflower seeds.                                                                

This may not seem too unusual except that the volume inside the tiny feeder was maybe 5x5x5 inches. Once inside the unit, the animal found itself sitting on top of what it wanted to eat. I could see, by the way it wriggled around, that it was apparently perplexed at not being able to dine in comfort. The marten finally solved its dilemma by exiting, and then opting a head-first-only entry. It must have worked because the feeder was empty at my next refilling visit.                                                                                                                                                                              
A night or so later, a battle took place at our feed trough. Although I didn’t observe or hear the commotion, I suspect there was some disagreement over who gets what. It’s my suspicion that it could have been two martens sparring over a chicken part. Or perhaps, a single marten did in a flying squirrel for some late night dining.                                                                                                  

Whatever the scenario, it must have been a vicious confrontation. At feeding time the next morning, I found the blood-spattered remnants indicating there had been trouble at the “OK Wilderness Cafe.”                                                                                                                                                          
It’s a menagerie around here, and life isn’t for the faint of heart in our critter world!                                                                                                                                
Keep on hangin’ on, and savor our open zoo!

(Photo courtesy of Fred Smith)