just about anywhere . Snakes migrate from their hibernacula and search for prey as they slither about in Alberta ’ s grasslands .
The fallen leaves and needles from the previous autumn give off a pungent aroma as they decay and provide nutrients for new growth . As the sap begins to flow in deciduous and evergreen trees , buds form and stems shoot out of the tips of branches of evergreens , typically a lighter colour than on the primary branch . Larches are deciduous trees , and their needles soon take shape and rejuvenate them .
Dead grass decays ; soon , “ green-up ” takes place and the appearance of new shoots of grass occurs . Interestingly , photosynthesis is a universal process and moves forward quickly during the long days of spring . In Alberta ’ s river valleys and foothills , there will be a short period in June when all the vegetation takes on about the same shade of green . That ’ s when I know that spring , per se , has ended and summer has arrived .
After breakup and as green-up advances , several species of Alberta ’ s fish go through their spawning cycle . Species of the salmonid family such as cutthroat trout , golden trout , and rainbow trout spawn in foothill and mountain streams , while species such as northern pike and walleye often spawn in lakes and some walleye populations may spawn in tributary streams . During the spring and early summer , goldeye , lake sturgeon , and mooneye spawn in large rivers such as the Athabasca , Bow , North Saskatchewan , Peace , and Red Deer .
Large mammals such as black bears and grizzly bears give birth to their cubs , while bighorn sheep , caribou , elk , moose , mountain goats , mule deer , and white-tailed deer calve and fawn their offspring . Give mother bears a wide berth — they may attack people if they feel their offspring are threatened . Similarly , it ’ s best to not disturb or handle fawns of deer or calves of caribou , elk , or moose as their mothers have likely not abandoned them but simply left them to feed for awhile . The calves and fawns instinctively know to remain still , stay calm , and not make any noise , often hidden in plain sight with their camouflage . Stay clear of moose calves , as cow moose can be dangerous if they feel their offspring are at risk .
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