The Animals & Plants in a Boreal Forest

Boreal forests are found in the northern hemisphere and have extremely cold climates, according to Marietta College. The average temperature in a boreal forest ranges from minus 5 to 5 degrees Celsius. Winters in boreal forests are extremely long while summers are extremely short. There is little evaporation in the summer, which keeps the ground moist. However, the growing season only lasts for three months. Plants and animals in boreal forests have adapted to tolerating cold temperatures.

  1. Bald Eagle

    • Bald eagles are majestic birds with sharp 2-inch talons, according to the Boreal Forest Library. Bald eagles are found in boreal forests and in Alaska, Canada, Florida and other regions of North America. Eagles mainly consume fish but also eat carrion and injured birds. Bald eagles have been seen eating fish weighing as much as 5 pounds. Eagles can dive to attack their prey at speeds ranging from 60 to 100 miles per hour. Bald eagles have vision eight times stronger than human vision. Mature bald eagles can weigh as much as 14 pounds and have wingspans as large as 8 feet.

    Black Bear

    • The scientific name for the black bear is Ursus americanus, according to National Geographic. Black bears are superb tree climbers and have a diet consisting mainly of roots, berries, grasses and insects. Sometimes black bears will also eat small fish and mammals such as carrion. Every winter black bears hibernate in their dens and remain dormant. They range in size from 5 to 6 feet in length and weigh between 200 and 600 pounds.

    Black Spruce

    • The scientific name for the black spruce tree is Picea mariana, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Black spruce trees have 3 centimeter seed cones and short pine needles ranging from 5 to 10 millimeters in length, according to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

    White Cedar

    • White cedar trees grow to heights ranging from 50 to 60 feet and are approximately 12 inches in diameter. The scientific name for the white cedar tree is Thuja occidentalis, according to Ohio State University. These trees have a slow growth rate and grow best in full to partial sun. Moist well-drained loamy soils are best for white cedar trees.