Printable Coloring Pages
The Great Bear Rainforest Coloring Pages
The Great Bear Rainforest, a vast expanse of temperate rainforest along British Columbia, Canada’s rugged west coast, is a realm of profound ecological richness and ethereal beauty. Towering ancient trees draped in moss form a dense canopy above, while a lush undergrowth teems with a diverse array of ferns and fungi. This mist-enshrouded forest is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the enigmatic spirit bear, elusive wolves, and majestic bald eagles. Streams rich with salmon cut through the landscape, sustaining not only the bears but also the vibrant communities of both indigenous peoples and myriad species that rely on this complex ecosystem. The interplay of ocean mist and forest creates a unique environment where every tree and creature plays a role in an intricate ecological tapestry. The Great Bear Rainforest is not only a bastion of biodiversity but also a powerful symbol of nature’s resilience and interconnectedness.
Kermode Bear or Spirit Bear (mammal) - A subspecies of the American black bear, with some individuals exhibiting a unique white coat. These bears are a symbol of the region and have high cultural significance for the indigenous people of the area. The white coat of the spirit bear is due to a rare genetic mutation.
For many of the local First Nations, the spirit bear is featured in traditional oral stories and mythologies. According to one common legend, the creator Raven made one in every ten black bears white to remind the people of the Ice Age, which covered the land in ice and snow. Raven purportedly created these white bears as a symbol of peace and harmony.
The spirit bear has also become an emblem for conservation efforts in the region. Its habitat, the Great Bear Rainforest, was largely protected from industrial logging through a landmark agreement that reflected collaboration between First Nations, environmentalists, the forestry industry, and the government. The spirit bear's image has been pivotal in campaigns and efforts promoting the conservation of this vast area.
Bald Eagle (bird) - American Crows are ubiquitous (everywhere!) across the Great Bear Rainforest, adapting well to the varied forested areas and open landscapes. Highly intelligent and resourceful, crows can often be seen foraging for insects, seeds, and fruits in the forest or scavenging along the beach and human settlements. They play a crucial ecological role in the forest by helping control insect populations and cleaning up waste. The social nature of crows adds a complex layer to the ecological community, with their intricate communication and strong family bonds influencing their group dynamics and survival strategies.
Bald Eagle (bird) - A powerful raptor, the bald eagle is a top predator in the area, feeding primarily on fish. It plays a key role in the local ecology. Bald eagles build the largest nest of any North American bird, some of which can weigh over a ton.
Banana Slug (invertebrate) - These large, bright yellow slugs are crucial decomposers in the rainforest, breaking down detritus and recycling nutrients back into the soil. They are one of the slowest moving creatures, traveling only 6.5 inches per minute.
Barred Owl (bird) - Known for its distinctive hooting call, this owl preys on small mammals and insects, contributing to the ecological balance. Barred owls do not migrate, and some have been known to live in the same area their entire lives.
Coho Salmon (fish) - Salmon are essential for nutrient cycling in the forest, bringing ocean nutrients inland and providing food for a wide range of wildlife. Coho salmon can leap up to 6 feet in the air to overcome obstacles when swimming upstream to spawn.
These fish undertake heroic migrations from the vast Pacific Ocean to the freshwater streams and rivers of their birth within this temperate rainforest. This journey facilitates the transfer of rich ocean nutrients inland, profoundly enriching the forest soil and aquatic ecosystems. The decomposing bodies of salmon that have completed their spawning contribute significantly to the nutrient base of the forest, supporting a diverse array of species from fungi to large mammals like bears and wolves. Their resilience and pivotal role in connecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems make them a key species in maintaining the health and biodiversity of the Great Bear Rainforest. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving these fish and their spawning grounds are vital for sustaining the intricate balance of this unique ecosystem.
Cougar (mammal) - As apex predators, cougars control the populations of other animals, helping maintain ecosystem health. Cougars are extremely stealthy and can leap over 20 feet from a standing position.
Douglas Fir (tree) - One of the tallest trees in the forest, Douglas fir is essential for its wood and as habitat for various species. Douglas firs can live for over 1,000 years and grow taller than a 30-story building.
Herring Gull (bird) - Herring Gulls are a common sight in the Great Bear Rainforest, often observed along the coastlines and near the estuaries where freshwater meets the sea. These adaptable birds thrive in the diverse coastal environment of the rainforest, taking advantage of the abundant food sources provided by both the sea and the land. Herring Gulls feed on a wide range of items, including fish, invertebrates, and carrion, as well as human refuse, making them a versatile species in the ecosystem. Their loud, laughing calls are a familiar sound along these rugged shores, adding to the dynamic soundscape of the rainforest.
Gray Wolf (mammal) - Wolves help maintain ecological balance by influencing the distribution and behavior of other wildlife. Wolves can roam up to 12 miles in a single day while hunting for food. Gray wolves are not only remarkable for their physical endurance but also for their complex social structures and pack dynamics. These social structures are essential for their hunting strategy, pup rearing, and territorial defense.
Knight's Plume Moss (plant) - Featuring feather-like fronds, this moss adds to the dense carpet on the forest floor, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the understory. This moss is characterized by its delicate, feather-like fronds that resemble a plume, providing an intricate pattern that can be both fun and challenging to color.
Mosses are crucial for creating a moist microclimate, aiding in water retention, and providing nesting materials and habitat for countless microorganisms.
Marbled Murrelet (bird) - An endangered seabird that is intricately tied to the coastal old-growth forests where it nests in the high canopies of ancient trees. This unique nesting behavior highlights the critical need to preserve mature forests not only for their ecological value but also for the survival of species like the marbled murrelet. Remarkably adapted for both marine and arboreal environments, marbled murrelets spend much of their life at sea, where they skillfully dive to catch small fish and invertebrates. Yet, they return to the dense cover of old-growth forests to lay their eggs on mossy branches, far from terrestrial predators. This bird's ability to launch almost vertically into the air, similar to a helicopter, is an extraordinary feat that allows quick escapes from potential threats and efficient navigation through its dense forest habitat. The conservation of the marbled murrelet is pivotal, as it serves as a flagship species for the broader movement to conserve the disappearing old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest, which support a complex web of life. The ongoing efforts to protect these birds and their habitat underscore broader environmental challenges and conservation strategies in these rich ecosystems.
Mosses and Lichens (plants): In the damp and misty reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest, a lush tapestry of mosses and lichens drapes over the landscape, adding layers of subtle beauty and ecological complexity to this temperate rainforest. These primitive plants thrive in the forest’s perpetually moist conditions, cloaking the trunks and branches of massive trees, carpeting the forest floor, and clinging to the rocks and soil.
Together, mosses and lichens create a microhabitat within the Great Bear Rainforest, supporting biodiversity and contributing to the forest's ability to sustain life from the smallest insect to the towering trees. Their presence is a testament to the rainforest’s pristine air and water, embodying the interconnectedness and resilience of this ancient ecosystem.
In the Great Bear Rainforest, the Northwestern Crow (Corvus caurinus) is a notable species found in this unique habitat. The Great Bear Rainforest, located on the central and northern coast of British Columbia, is rich in biodiversity and is home to a variety of species, including crows. Northwestern Crows are slightly smaller than the American Crow and are often found near coastal areas, estuaries, and beaches within the rainforest. They are known for their adaptability and their role in the ecosystem, feeding on a variety of foods including marine invertebrates and human leftovers.
Raven (bird) - The Common Raven is a standout feature of the Great Bear Rainforest, larger and more solitary than its crow relatives. Ravens are known for their exceptional intelligence and problem-solving abilities. In this rainforest, they are key players in the ecosystem, feeding on a variety of foods from small animals and carrion to berries and insects.
Ravens hold a significant place in the myths and cultural traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Great Bear Rainforest, which includes the territories of various First Nations groups such as the Tsimshian, Haida, Heiltsuk, and Gitga'at, among others. In many of these cultures, Raven is seen as a creator, transformer, and trickster figure, playing a crucial role in creation stories and other cultural myths.
Roosevelt Elk (mammal) - These large elk impact the structure of the forest through their grazing and browsing. Roosevelt elk are the largest of the four North American elk subspecies.
Sitka Spruce (tree) - This tree is critical for its role in the forest structure and as habitat for countless wildlife species. The wood of the Sitka spruce is so strong and light, it was historically used to make the frames for aircraft.
Steller's Jay (bird) - Known for their intelligence and complex behaviors, Steller’s jays are significant for their role in seed dispersal. They can mimic the calls of other birds and even some human-made sounds.
Western Red Cedar (tree) - Western red cedar is an essential cultural, ecological, and economic resource in the rainforest, extensively utilized by First Nations for a myriad of purposes. Known for its durability and resistance to decay, this majestic tree plays a crucial role in the construction of buildings, totem poles, and canoes, showcasing its importance in both daily life and spiritual practices. The bark of the cedar tree, soft and pliable, can be woven into clothing, mats, and other ceremonial items, reflecting its versatility and integral role in cultural traditions. Additionally, cedar branches and leaves are used in medicinal and spiritual practices for cleansing and healing, underpinning the deep connection between the tree and the cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples. Ecologically, the Western red cedar contributes significantly to the habitat's biodiversity, providing shelter and food for numerous wildlife species within the rainforest. Its ability to grow in varied conditions from wet marshes to dry ridges also aids in forest stability and diversity, making it a cornerstone species in its native ecosystem.