Growling salamanders, ancient fish-local fauna

[shootingstar]

Where I used to work, was near the Fraser River, a major river from the Pacific Ocean. I had no idea about the incredible flora and fauna in our area.

Giant coastal salamander...it is the only salmander in the world that will vocalize..ie. low bark or growl!
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/frogwatch/whoswho/factshts/cgsal.htm

Ancient fish=white sturgeon, native to Fraser River (and perhaps Columbia R.) which is now an endangered species. Actually a worker living at an Indian reserve nearby, referred it as "ancient fish" which I initially had no idea what he was talking about. In the heyday of years ago, a heavy sturgeon weighed 600 kilograms..of which roe could be up to 90 kilograms. That is alot of caviar. Can live up to 104 yrs. old. (I'm sure all the TE fishing affectionados here know this.)

[shootingstar]

Continuation on similar topic:

My own lack of knowledge about local flora and fauna. Am reading a book about a woman who kayaks solo (inn 3-4 separate trips) from Alaska to Bellingham, Washington along the Inside Passage, by the British Columbia Coast.

http://www.amazon.com/Spirited-Waters-Soloing-Through-Passage/dp/0898867444

After reading descriptions on some animals (differences between river and sea otters), I realize that the wall wood carving we have at home..is a sea otter. Have had carving for past 5 yrs.

Some incredible neat meals she has merely from picking 5 different types of seaweed and algae by the beaches, combining as filling for salad, sandwiches (saltiness as a condiment) or for chocolate pudding (1 variety provides natural gelatin).

I am ignorant about the biodiversity of our area, the Pacific coast. And being on the bike, doesn't necessary expand that knowledge...unless one stops, hikes and looks hard.