Khutzeymateen Inlet facts for kids
Khutzeymateen Inlet is a special place in British Columbia, Canada. It is a type of narrow ocean bay called a fjord. The local Tsimshian people call it K’tzim-a-Deen. This inlet is super important because it's part of the first area in Canada set aside to protect grizzly bears and their homes.
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A Safe Home for Grizzlies
The Khutzeymateen Inlet is famous for being home to the Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary. This sanctuary was created to keep grizzly bears safe and protect their natural habitat. It was the very first area in Canada to be protected specifically for these amazing animals.
Where is Khutzeymateen Inlet?
The inlet and its surrounding park are located in British Columbia. They are found between the mouths of two large rivers: the Skeena and the Nass River. If you look on a map, the Khutzeymateen is just north of another inlet called Work Channel. The mouth of the Khutzeymateen Inlet opens into an arm of Portland Inlet, which is called Steamer Passage. The closest town to this area is Lax Kw'alaams, which used to be known as Port Simpson.
Wildlife in the Inlet
The Khutzeymateen Inlet is fed by the Khutzeymateen River. This river and the shores of the inlet are very popular with wildlife. More than 50 grizzly bears often visit this area. But it's not just bears! You can also find other animals like wolves, moose, and many different kinds of shorebirds and waterfowl (birds that live near water). In the ocean waters, you might spot orcas, also known as killer whales, and large humpback whales.
Early Explorations
The Khutzeymateen Inlet was first mapped in 1793. This was done by James Johnstone and Robert Barrie. They were officers working with George Vancouver during his big expedition that lasted from 1791 to 1795. Their work helped to create the first detailed maps of this part of the coast.
