The Quiet Isn’t Empty

The Quiet Isn’t Empty

26/01/05 | Mountain Goat, Mule Deer, Muskox, Thinhorn Sheep

wildlife rehabilitation

by Lindsay Caskenette | Jan 5, 2026 | 0 comments

3 minute read

The snow lay thick and quiet across the Yukon and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, softening the edges of the land and turning the hillside into a winter canvas. At first glance, it seems still, but a closer look tells a different story.

Cold snowy morning light on the mountain goat cliff at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Credit J. Paleczny

Those criss-crossing tracks aren’t random doodles, they’re proof that the animals have been busy. At the Preserve, the sheep set the best route across the slope and once formed, stick to this path of least resistance. 

Cold snowy morning light on the mountain goat cliff at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Credit J. Paleczny

 Beyond, a fox is on patrol, a hare in a hurry, deer are deep in the woods. Winter doesn’t slow things down as much as it changes the rules. 

Cold snowy morning light on the mountain goat cliff at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Credit J. Paleczny

Thick winter coats do the heavy lifting, wide hooves act like built-in snowshoes, and many animals conserve energy by moving only when it’s worth it. 

muskox ain white out snow conditions at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. J. Paleczny

When the wind picks up, trees, rock faces, and deep snowbanks become natural windbreaks, much cozier than they look. Beneath all that snow, insulated and sheltered, small mammals tunnel and rest, protected from the harshest cold.

Mountain goat in a snowy mountain landscape at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. L. Caskenette

The Yukon, winter is not a season of silence, it’s a season of resilience. Every track tells a story of endurance, and every snowy landscape holds evidence of life shaped by the North.

Cold snow and sundog lights at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. J. Paleczny
Cold snowy morning light on the mountain goat cliff at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Credit J. Paleczny
A hawk owl is perched on a tree in the forest among heavy snowfall. L.Caskenette
Cold snowy morning light on the mountain goat cliff at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Credit J. Paleczny
Lindsay Caskenette

Lindsay Caskenette

Manager Visitor Services

Lindsay joined the Wildlife Preserve team March 2014. Originally from Ontario, she came to the Yukon in search of new adventures and new career challenges. Lindsay holds a degree in Environmental Studies with honours from Wilfrid Laurier University and brings with her a strong passion for sharing what nature, animals, and the environment can teach us.

867-456-7400
Lindsay@yukonwildlife.ca

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Look Twice: How to Tell Juvenile Bald and Golden Eagles Apart

Look Twice: How to Tell Juvenile Bald and Golden Eagles Apart

25/11/30 | Rehabilitation, Wildlife

wildlife rehabilitation

by Brittney Forsythe | Nov 30, 2025 | 0 comments

5 minute read -

These young raptors may look alike at first glance, but their feathers, legs, and eyes tell a story.

At First Glance, They Can Totally Trick You

If you’ve ever looked up and spotted a massive dark eagle soaring overhead and thought, “Is that a Golden? No, wait. Juvenile Baldie?”  you are absolutely not alone.

These birds can look incredibly similar when you’re only seeing silhouettes or quick flyovers. Even at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where we see eagles regularly, we still have moments where a distant speck in the sky sparks that tiny flicker of curiosity.

If you slow down and look closely, the differences are actually quite striking.

Juvenile Bald Eagle flying and a Juvenile Golden Eagle Flying

Left: A juvenile Bald Eagle with its yellow feet and part of its legs exposed.      Right: A Juvenile Golden Eagle with fully feathered legs, all the way to it's feet.

Right now, our Animal Care Team is caring for a juvenile golden eagle, but in the past,  we’ve admitted several juvenile bald eagles for care. Seeing these two species up close, sometimes side by side, makes it incredibly fun to compare them. You start noticing details you might not notice from a quick glance.

If you are able to clearly see their legs you'll note that Juvenile Bald Eagles have more of their yellow feet and legs exposed - compared to the Golden Eagle that appears to be wearing some fancy feathered pants.

In the slides above, you can clearly see Bald eagles have a chunkier head and heavy, hooked bill even as juveniles.

The Golden eagles have a slimmer, more streamlined head. They also rock the tell tale golden tips on their head feathers.

While both young Bald and Golden eagles have dark brown eyes, as they age they do change. Bald eagle eyes, lighten to a yellow whereas the Golden eagles eyes turn a more amber hue.

Now here’s where people most often get tripped up - plumage patterns!

Juvenile Golden eagles:

Juvenile golden eagles are mostly a rich, dark brown overall, giving them a uniform appearance compared to young bald eagles. They also have warm golden feathers on the back of the head and neck, which is where their name comes from, even in youth. One of the most reliable features of a juvenile golden eagle is the bold white band across the tail feathers and the clean white patches at the base of the wings. These white areas are crisp and well-defined, and they gradually disappear as the bird matures, fading into the darker brown of adulthood.

Juvenile Bald eagles:

Juvenile bald eagles look much more irregular. Instead of clean patterns, they show patchy white and brown mottling across the body, wings and tail. No two young bald eagles look exactly alike, and they won’t develop the iconic white head and tail until they are four or five years old. As they age, the white feathers on the head and tail slowly increase, becoming more noticeable each year. This gradual shift in plumage is one of the major differences between the two species when they’re young, helping distinguish juvenile bald eagles from juvenile golden eagles.

Up close its both easy to see how you could get them mixed up and easy to see their differences. This sequence of photos offers side by side comparisons. Can you tell which is which?

Juvenile eagles can look deceptively similar at first glance, but a closer look at legs, wing and tail pattern and head shape — plus tracking how their eyes and plumage change over time — reveals the differences. These traits make each species unique and fascinating to observe.

Every eagle that comes through our rehab program relies on specialized care, safe housing and dedicated staff — all powered by the generosity of people who care about Yukon wildlife.

If you enjoyed learning about these incredible birds and want to help us continue rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife, please consider making a donation today.

Your gift directly supports animals in our care — including the eagles featured in this story.
❤️ Thank you for helping Yukon’s wild lives take flight again.
Donate Now!
Brittney Forsythe

Brittney Forsythe

She/Her - Visitor Services Coordinator

Brittney joined the Wildlife preserve in the summer of 2023. Growing up on Northern Vancouver Island, surrounded by the temperate rainforest, nature and animals have always been a part of her life. It exploded into a passion, when she started her dog walking business in 2017 and she began spending 6-7 days a week in the forest, rain or shine! This sparked an even deeper appreciation for the cyclical nature of the land and how all of the plants & animals work together symbiotically. She is forever ‘that girl’ on the hike, pointing out different rocks and plants, explaining their origin or what they could be used for medicinally. Brittney and her dog Cedar relocated to the Yukon to help care for 31 sled dogs. She is so excited to expand her local knowledge as a part of the Preserve team.

867-456-7400
 Brittney@yukonwildlife.ca

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One-Eyed Owl Care Continues

One-Eyed Owl Care Continues

25/11/07 | Animal Care, Rehabilitation, Wildlife

wildlife rehabilitation

by Lindsay Caskenette | Nov 7, 2025 | 0 comments

6 - 8 minute read

Care for the one-eyed Great Horned Owl continues here at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre.

One-eyed great horned owl in care at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. photo credit Lindsay Caskenette

Since the owl's story introduction by Connor, this resilient owl has made steady progress under the attentive care of the Preserve’s veterinarian, Dr. Cori. During a recent checkup, the owl weighed at 990 grams (on November 5th) — slightly below the average Great Horned Owl weight of around 1.2 kilograms. However, it’s important to note that this individual is of smaller stature, so this weight is healthy and appropriate for their build.

Vet assessment of the one-eyed great horned owl by Yukon Wildlife Preserve Animal Care team. Photo Credit: L.Caskenette

As part of the ongoing assessment, the team also conducted several diagnostic tests, including what’s known as a menace test — similar to how doctors might assess human vision — by observing the owl’s eye response to motion and changes in light to evaluate pupil constriction and visual awareness.

Talking with Preserve Veterinarian, Dr. C about the owl's eye assessment

Over the past month, the owl has been living in the large outdoor aviary, where they’ve been working hard to rebuild flight strength and coordination. Encouragingly, the owl has demonstrated natural hunting instincts by successfully capturing live prey during both daylight and low-light conditions — critical for crepuscular and nocturnal animals living in the Yukon where winter is long and the days are short.

The owl will continue to receive care through the winter as we consults with other wildlife care experts and facilities to determine the best long-term outcome — whether that may mean continued care here at the Preserve or, potentially, a return to life in the wild. For now, time (and a little more information) will guide those next steps.

One-eyed great horned owl in care at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. photo credit Lindsay Caskenette

One-eyed great horned owl in care at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is seen in several frames flying, gaining lift and perched on a tree. Photo credit L.Caskenette

Each animal’s recovery journey is unique, and this owl’s story continues to highlight the skill, patience, and compassion that go into every case at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.

Stay tuned for future updates on this remarkable bird — and thank you to everyone whose support helps make this vital rehabilitation work possible.

Donate Towards the Care of this Owl
Story Update: November 20th, 2025:

We’re saddened to share an update about our one-eyed Great Horned Owl, who was found deceased early Wednesday morning, November 12th. There were no visible signs of struggle and no obvious cause at the time.

A post-mortem necropsy has since revealed a necrotic (decaying) lesion on the front left lobe of his brain — a likely consequence of his previous head trauma from a vehicle strike. This condition was not something we could have predicted or prevented. Aside from this lesion, the owl was sexed a male, in good body condition, with no other abnormal findings.

His passing is a difficult loss for our team and for many of you who followed his journey. We’re grateful for the time he spent in our care and for the chance to witness — and share — his resilience and beauty. Our thanks extend to everyone who supported him, especially Sonya, who first found him flightless along the roadside.
Lindsay Caskenette

Lindsay Caskenette

Manager Visitor Services

Lindsay joined the Wildlife Preserve team March 2014. Originally from Ontario, she came to the Yukon in search of new adventures and new career challenges. Lindsay holds a degree in Environmental Studies with honours from Wilfrid Laurier University and brings with her a strong passion for sharing what nature, animals, and the environment can teach us.

867-456-7400
Lindsay@yukonwildlife.ca

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Golden Opportunity: A Young Eagle’s Second Chance

Golden Opportunity: A Young Eagle’s Second Chance

25/11/07 | Animal Care, Rehabilitation

wildlife rehabilitation

by Lindsay Caskenette | Nov 7, 2025 | 0 comments

6 - 8 minute read

On November 5, 2025, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve’s Rehabilitation Centre admitted a new patient — a juvenile Golden Eagle, estimated to be about two years old, found in the Burwash Landing area.

One-eyed great horned owl in care at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. photo credit Lindsay Caskenette

The eagle’s story began when a member of the public noticed something unusual — a large bird appearing to be stuck on a chimney. Concerned, they called Yukon Conservation Officers (COs) for help. Responding quickly, the officers discovered the eagle was indeed stuck, possibly frozen to the chimney. They carefully freed the bird and provided a safe, warm place for the night in a crate before contacting the Preserve the next morning

Vet assessment of the one-eyed great horned owl by Yukon Wildlife Preserve Animal Care team. Photo Credit: L.Caskenette

When the eagle arrived at the Preserve, the Animal Care team and veterinarian, Dr. Cori, began a full assessment. The eagle was notably calm — a good sign, given the stressful ordeal it had endured. Weighing in at 2.90 kg, the bird showed no palpable signs of fractures or dislocations. Neurological and sensory tests all appeared normal. However, the team did notice a few bent feathers on the left wing, a slight postural abnormality (the wing was being carried lower than normal), and a small ulcer on the right foot pad.

Encouragingly, the eagle ate with enthusiasm — and by the next day had already gained weight, tipping the scale at 3.2 kg! (We weren’t exaggerating when we said “enthusiastic eater.”)

Golden eagle left wing injury - Widllife rehabilitation at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Photo credit Lindsay Caskenette. The animal care team xray the animal to further assess injury where no palpable fracture of dislocations were noted.

On November 6, x-rays revealed trauma to the left wing, explaining the low carriage and bent feathers. The team applied a figure-eight bandage to help stabilize the wing. Over the coming weeks, the eagle will remain under close observation, with routine checks and follow-up x-rays to monitor healing.

Golden eagle left wing injury - Widllife rehabilitation at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Campring the left and right xray of the eagle wings. Can you notice the difference?

Golden eagle wing injury - Widllife rehabilitation at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Comparing the left and right xray of the eagles' wings. Can you notice the difference?

This young eagle was found within the Traditional Territory of the Kluane First Nation, and its recovery journey is another reminder of how collective care — from the public, Conservation Officers, and the Wildlife Preserve team — can make a real difference for Yukon’s wildlife.

We extend our thanks to the member of the public who made the call, and to the Conservation Officer Services for their swift and compassionate response. Because of your actions, this eagle now has a fighting chance to heal, regain strength, and, hopefully, take to the skies once more.

If you’d like to support the care of this eagle and other wild patients, please consider donating to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program. Your contributions help provide the medical care, food, and facilities needed to give injured wildlife a second chance at life in the wild.

Help Keep Yukon Wild At Heart
Lindsay Caskenette

Lindsay Caskenette

Manager Visitor Services

Lindsay joined the Wildlife Preserve team March 2014. Originally from Ontario, she came to the Yukon in search of new adventures and new career challenges. Lindsay holds a degree in Environmental Studies with honours from Wilfrid Laurier University and brings with her a strong passion for sharing what nature, animals, and the environment can teach us.

867-456-7400
Lindsay@yukonwildlife.ca

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Jesse the Moose

Jesse the Moose

25/06/19 | Animal Care, Moose

wildlife rehabilitation

by Jake Paleczny | Jun 19, 2025 | 2 comments

2 minute read -

It was with profound sadness that the Yukon Wildlife Preserve (YWP) shared the death of Jesse, a cherished and iconic moose who had resided at the Preserve since 2016. The YWP’s Animal Care team made the difficult decision to euthanize Jesse on June 19, 2025 due to complications following a medical procedure.

An Old Injury

The YWP Animal Care team had been monitoring Jesse’s old hoof injury, which had become arthritic, causing her increasing discomfort and pain. The team had diligently monitored her condition, exploring options to alleviate her suffering and improve her quality of life. On Monday, June 17th, Veterinarian Dr. Cassandra Andrew and the YWP Animal Care team immobilized (anesthetized) Jesse to provide a targeted treatment for the affected hoof joint. While under anesthesia Jesse regurgitated contents from one of her stomachs - one of the risks of anesthesia in ruminants like moose. Recognizing the immediate risk, the team promptly cut the hoof treatment short, administered broad-spectrum antibiotics, and reversed the anesthesia.

Dr. Cassandra Andrew and the Animal Care Team check on Jesse's hoof during in summer 2024.

Complications and Consequences

Upon waking, Jesse exhibited signs of respiratory distress, including coughing and more rapid breathing than normal, indicating that she had inhaled some of the regurgitated material. Later that day, the team provided additional medication to help reduce fever and inflammation. By Tuesday, June 18th, Jesse appeared to be more relaxed and showed initial signs of improvement as the team continued to monitor her closely.

However, during the morning check-in on Wednesday, June 19th, it was clear that Jesse's condition had declined significantly overnight. She was suffering from what was suspected to be severe aspiration pneumonia (inhalation of foreign/food material into the lungs) and was struggling to breathe. Unfortunately treating such a severe condition can be quite invasive and would only be feasible with a domesticated animal in a clinical setting. The team made the difficult decision to euthanize Jesse without delay.

Dr. Andrew performed a gross necropsy, which confirmed extensive damage to her lungs and the severe pneumonia. The team is conducting additional tests to better understand Jesse's overall health and to reveal potential future treatments for similar hoof injuries in other animals.

Jesse in June 2024

Jesse's Story

“Jesse was a really special animal with a remarkable story who touched the hearts of many, both our staff and visitors alike,” said Jake Paleczny, Executive Director, Yukon Wildlife Preserve. “Her death is a big loss for our team and so many of our visitors who got to know her so well over her 9 years here. Our team made every possible effort to provide her with the best care, and we will honour her legacy by learning what we can to inform what we do for our moose in the future.”

Jesse's remarkable journey at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve began in May 2016. At only a few weeks old and weighing just 47 pounds, dogs attacked her in the bush near Whitehorse, separating her from her mother. A quick-thinking teenager (named Jesse) carried the injured moose out and with some help, brought her to the Preserve. The dogs had gone after her neck, causing swelling that made it difficult for her to swallow and breathe. YWP staff provided 24-hour care, and for the first couple of nights, they were unsure if she would survive. For the first four days at the Preserve, Jesse couldn’t get up, and the team fed her via IV, offering small amounts of formula when she could manage it. With her injuries, it’s unlikely Jesse would have survived in the wild. Her comfort around humans meant she would reside at the Preserve permanently.

Jesse's Impact

If you have a story or memory you'd like to share about Jesse, send it to jake@yukonwildlife.ca  and lindsay@yukonwildlife.ca. We'd like to share and celebrate the impactful experiences and relationships she was a part of.

The crazy snow winter which had packed snow so high people's heads (and moose heads) were much closer to the top of the fence than normal and Jesse started stealing people's touques right off their heads. She especially loved to target hat wearers' taking selfies.
Pete, Wildlife Interpreter

We said our goodbye!
She knows and she listens—
She cried, I cried.
Michael, Senior Wildlife and Rehabilitation Technician

Above: Michael and Jesse on the morning of June 19.

Jake Paleczny

Jake Paleczny

He/Him - Executive Director/ CEO

Jake Paleczny is passionate about interpretation and education. He gained his interpretative expertise from a decade of work in Ontario’s provincial parks in addition to a Masters in Museum Studies from the University of Toronto. His interests also extend into the artistic realm, with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Western Ontario and extensive experience in galleries and museums.

867-456-7313
jake@yukonwildlife.ca

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