Feb 8, 2015 | Beavers, Mammals
This video shows an adult beaver with two of its kits feeding on alder leaves. The kits are usually born within the lodge in spring. They stay in the lodge for four or five weeks. The mother nurses them for 6-10 weeks. The kits begin to eat plant material when only...
Jan 22, 2015 | Mammals, Porcupines
Porcupines are a wonderful animal to learn about. Take a look at A Prickly Tale (Porcupine) by Bob Armstrong and Marge Hermans In summer they eat a variety of foods. In winter they feed on only a couple of items — spruce needles and the inner bark of hemlock...
Jan 21, 2015 | Mammals, Salmon
This video of chum salmon spawning could be a good one for class discussion. Especially after students do some reading about spawning behavior among salmon. Lots going on here. Look at Chum Salmon Spawning Behavior by S.L. Schroder Look for a signal by the female that...
Nov 26, 2014 | Beavers, Mammals
This video was taken in an ice covered pond in the Juneau area. It shows how a beaver swims underwater. Notice how it only uses its hind feet for swimming. In winter beavers will usually swim out of their lodge under the ice to a stash of food and bring it back into...
Nov 13, 2014 | Mammals, Salmon
Note: this video on Salmon and Blow Flies in Alaska has narration with it and will be easier to see the various connections. You can also go to Natural Connections in Alaska And look at the information on pages 48 and 49 to get some more ideas. Salmon and Blow Flies...
Nov 13, 2014 | Mammals, Seals
These coho salmon are returning to the DIPAC hatchery in Juneau. Some harbor seals are taking advantage of them and even swim up the fish ladder in search of coho. Notice how some seals swim on their back. Why do you think they do this? Think about their ability to...