Hi !

We’re the cast of Northern Tails TV.

We live in the boreal forest in northern Canada. Some folks down south might call us “exotic” creatures, but we’re actually all neighbours. Because what happens here in the boreal, leaves a footprint around the world.

SKIP TO CHARACTER
SCOUT, Arctic Ground Squirrel
WINSTON, Raven
ISABELLE, Woodland Caribou
BRUNO, Wolf
LOU, Beaver
JACKIE, Wolverine
Michael Jay, Fox in the City

Scout Perry

Arctic Ground Squirrel
Journalist, host of Northern Tails

Thanks for tuning in to Northern Tails! I’m your host, Scout Perry. I love my home here in the boreal forest. Most people don’t know that the boreal is an ecosystem that wraps around our whole planet and it’s one of the biggest (and most important ones) that we all share. What happens here — with all the creatures and plants and weather — affects everyone world. Our dedicated ground squirrel film crew is committed to bringing you the most important stories (and some silly ones too) from our home at the top of the world — as long as we don’t get eaten…

Curiosity and Learning | Ground squirrel’s keen vision and hearing helps them keep an eye on predators (and generally see what’s going on). Their high pitched calls always lets the rest of the forest know when things are happening.

Winston

Common Raven
Trickster, between jobs

Hey, man. Winston here. Some call me “Wing—man”. Or the “Winstonator.” Or just “Raven”. Yah. I kind of like that one. You can usually find me hanging around. Sometimes literally. You know. I’ll just hang there. From a tree. You can see a lot from there. Helps to keep tabs on who’s up to what. Some people think I’m lazy. But no way. I’ve just got it figured out and find ways to help my friends so they can do the heavy lifting. Everyone gets what they need and leaves me time for fun and games. You know what I mean? The Raven abides...

Ecosystems and Interconnections | These territorial birds keep an eye on everything that goes on, are quick to help predators find prey (especially if there are leftovers for them) and like to make sure they always have time for some fun.

Woodland Caribou
Influencer, conservation advocatee

Isabelle

You’ve probably seen me before (I hope so). I’m kind of a big thing up here. It seems like any time anyone talks about the boreal forest, they want to include me and my herd. They say we are so rare! It’s great to be special but I need to get serious for a second. Humans cramping my style these days. A bit rude! But they shouldn’t underestimate me and my followers — we plan on influencing the future.

Climate Change and Conservation Awareness | Woodland caribou are a critical species in the boreal forest but the actions of humans are leading to climate change and habitat loss so caribou numbers are going down at an alarming rate. We all need to take action if we want to show we care.

Wolf
Family man, provider, music moonlighter

Bruno

Hey. Bruno here. I’m an upstanding citizen of the boreal forest. Some call me the boss but Stella, my wife, keeps me in line. A little fine dining. A little entertainment. Nothing fancy – I like the classics. I’m kind of traditional. And I’m passing everything on to my beautiful pups. Me and the family, we keep order. We keep things respectable.

Adaptation and Social Structures | Wolves are top predators in the boreal forest, keeping many of the prey populations in check. They work together and learn how to hunt from each other, relying on the knowledge of their packs for their survival.

Lou

Beaver
Ecosystem engineer, biodiverse

Hey ho! Lou’s the name. It’s busy here in the boreal forest. I just put a new berm by the dam over there. Wasn’t sure if it’d stop that leak, but the backfill gave it some real good structure and we should have some new pools for folks to start moving into shortly. Everyone needs a place to live, you know. It makes me proud to see how this work is bringing our community together. And I’m always happy to chip in.

Habitat and Biodiversity | Beavers are key to building the communities that make up the boreal forest. Their dams create wetlands and change water flow so that many plants and animals have a place to thrive.

Jackie

Wolverine
Waste management, single by choice

Yah. I’m Jackie. Who’s asking, anyway? Listen, don’t get defensive. And don’t give me attitude because I guarantee you can’t handle mine. I really don’t have time for this small-talk. I’ve got stuff to do. For me. There are some things I’ve been wanting lately. Like maybe a kid. Crazy, I know. But you get what you focus on, so focus on what you want - that’s my motto. And I’m not asking for hearts and rainbows. Being alone doesn’t mean I’m lonely. It means I can handle things myself.

Survival & Reproduction | Wolverines are crazy strong for how much they weigh, making them one of toughest animals in the boreal forest. These loners survive by scavenging what they need (and more) and making strategic decisions about when to have their young.

Michael Jay

Fox in the City
Roving reporter, paws on the pulse

Hello human friends! I’m Michael Jay, your curious Fox in the City! My natural home is in the boreal forest, but I’m on assignment for Northern Tails to meet the humans and learn how we can work together and be better neighbours. What’s happening with climate change and why should we care? What biological superpowers do our animal friends have? Every episode, I hit the local hangouts in Whitehorse with a few facts and lots of questions about science and nature stuff. Let’s keep our paws on the pulse people!

Character Auditions