J. Clark Salyer NWR Canoe Trail
Greetings, fellow paddlers! I'm Mortimer Muskrat, your guide for today's trip down the winding Souris River. You may be wondering why I'm not brown like other muskrats. I'm a special kind of muskrat called an albino. My fur doesn't have the brown pigment the other muskrats have. In fact, my fur has no pigment at all! That's why I'm white. I consider myself one of the many fascinating features of the J. Clark Salyer NWR. You'll discover more as we venture down the Souris River. So let's get paddling!!!
Did you know the Souris River winds through the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge a total of 75 miles? For refuge visitors, the river offers two canoe routes: a 5 1/2 mile route or a 13-mile route. Whichever route visitors choose, they're in for a real adventure.
You'll soon discover that the river provides a variety of habitats for many animals in the refuge, myself included. Sometimes the river carves out a new path, creating a loop or oxbow. The oxbows provide habitats for many animals such as ducks, deer, and my good friend Burley Beaver.
There he is now! Did you know that a beaver's front teeth grow continuously? Can you guess why? The teeth grow continuously to keep up with all the wear from gnawing on wood. That's just one of many interesting characteristics beavers possess. On each hind foot, the second claw is split and used like a comb to keep the fur groomed. And what about that tail?! When danger is near, the beaver slaps its tail against the water to warn others.
As we travel futher down the river, you may notice boxes on several tree trunks. These are nesting structures for wood ducks and hooded mergansers. Look! A wood duck hen is trying to coax her ducklings out of the nest.
The wooded areas of the river bottom are great habitats for some larger animals such as deer and moose. If you're lucky, you may see a doe and her fawn out for a stroll along the banks of the river. If you're unlucky, you may come face to face with a moose and her calves.
Ahh! This is the life, coasting down the river...the gentle breeze tickling your whiskers...fresh air filling your lungs... SNIFF! SNIFF! Yikes! I smell mink!! Did you know the mink's favorite snack is a muskrat? He is one of many furry animals that live here on the refuge. Raccoons and weasels also make their homes along the river.
The refuge is a popular place for many birds making their way north and south. Did you know that more than 300 species of birds have been sighted since the refuge was established? The banks of the river are great places to see a wide variety of interesting birds. The American bittern is good example. Your eyes may tell you that you are looking at a bunch of reeds but you are actually looking at a cleverly camouflaged bird. The American bittern holds its head high so the rest of the body blends in with the surroundings.
Ooh! Look over there! The ruddy duck, with its distinct blue bill and stiff-tail feathers is a favorite sight among refuge visitors.
Our canoe route ends up ahead at the Thompson Well, a great place for a picnic. That reminds me! It's time to eat!!! I hope you've enjoyed your trip down the Souris River and a closer look at the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge. Come back and visit soon!!!
