....And where to find them
Canada is a land known for its fanciful fauna, but some of our wildest creatures are more elusive than others.
For all the budding supernaturalists, we are pleased to present a selection of Canada’s lesser-known fantastic beasts:
These images are part of Library and Archives Canada's Rare Book Collection
All of the images are taken from books, often exploration or missionary narratives, published before the year 1800.
Please note that we may have embellished our descriptions a bit, but it’s all in good fun.
Sphinx Beaver
Its exasperated face, corrugated pelt and prominent earholes distinguish this mysterious member of the beaver family.
A highly affectionate, yet selective rodent.
Where to find it: Great Lakes region, from Kingston to Thunder Bay, including Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie
Item 44 in the Rare Books database
Prairie Whale
This small terrestrial whale strains wheat through its baleen. It is a real team player and always gives 110%!
The slow-moving giant was hunted nearly to extinction for its moisture reserves. Wild specimens are rare.
Where to find it: South of Saskatoon
Item 169 in the Rare Books database
Sea Horse
True to its name, the sea horse has the fangs, claws, whiskers and caudal fin of a horse.
This animal is extremely dangerous, especially in months with 31 days.
Where to find it: From coastal Newfoundland to Rimouski
Item 169 in the Rare Books database
Bubblecroc
The buoyant, air-filled pockets of the skin of this crocodilian protect it during transportation.
Despite its wide grin, this reptile is untrustworthy; it lies a lot!
Where to find it: Prince Edward Island, where a 4-metre specimen was once observed in Summerside
Item 11 in the Rare Books database
Morose Otter
This gloomy mustelid will consume twice its own weight to avoid dealing with unpleasant feelings.
The morose otter is solitary. It often leaves passive-aggressive comments on social media.
Where to find it: Southern New Brunswick, especially in the Fredericton–Saint John–Moncton triangle
Item 363 in the Rare Books database
Glamour Moose
This dazzling member of the elk family sheds its antlers and eyelashes at each season, to keep up with the latest trend.
It is able to kick sideways on stiletto hooves. However, it may be approached safely if you find the right words.
Where to find it: Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver
Item 73 in the Rare Books database
Whippet Deer
A cartilaginous skeleton and rubber antlers make this deer one of the most graceful and flexible animals in the world.
Hairless and aerodynamic, it is the fastest land mammal. The Whippet Deer is threatened by poachers, who use its antlers to manufacture hockey pucks.
Where to find it: Throughout the Rockies, from Kamloops to Lethbridge
Item 109 in the Rare Books database
White Bear
This bear is easily recognizable: chocolate brown fur, brown eyes, brown teeth, muppet feet. Oddly enough, it is frequently confused with the Brown Bear.
Where to find it: In Canada’s Far North, from Whitehorse to Iqaluit, and sometimes in Yellowknife
Item 116 in the Rare Books database
Feline Sea Lion
This animal combines the worst traits of a lion and a seal. Its puzzled face, annoying gaze and powerful torso distinguish it from other marine mammals.
Feline sea lions have become an invasive nuisance for people at swimming pools and spas because of their uninvited shoulder massages.
Where to find it: Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba
Item 169 in the Rare Books database
Northern Needle-rat
Its highly abrasive pelt and sharp talons make this animal a popular pet choice.
The Northern Needle-rat is very social and found in colonies numbering in the thousands.
It has a high-pitched cry that is almost impossible not to whistle along with.
Where to find it: Pictou, Dartmouth, Cape Breton Island
Item 79 in the Rare Books database