East Porcupine Hills
Last Review/Updated: May 10, 2002
© Alberta Government |
This unique area, named for the spears of Douglas-fir and limber pine which rise along the crests of the hills, combines four distinct vegetation patterns for a diversified wildlife habitat. Characteristics of montane forest, subalpine forest, aspen parkland and prairie grassland are all found in this area.
A
wide variety of wildflowers and shrubs, from grouseberry and thimbleberry,
through meadow rue and sticky geranium, to dryland species such as ground
juniper and shrubby cinquefoil, are found at various elevations. Look
for mountain chickadees, crossbills, and snowshoe hares at the higher
elevations. Coniferous forests are home to red-breasted nuthatches and
spruce grouse. In the oatgrass and fescue prairie, watch for red-tailed
hawks and ground squirrels, wapiti and mule deer. Look for pine siskins
and yellow-pine chipmunks in the limber pine forests of dry south-facing
slopes.
