Lesser Central Creeper

Classification: B/4

In this latest edition of Vancouver Island Shopping Carts I discovered a lone Lesser Central Creeper in a back alley in Courtenay, BC. Note the distinctive yellow markings and small size that are characteristic of this species.

This gentle omnivore is often domesticated by humans and put to purposeful use. With good care and over time it becomes strongly imprinted on its host family – despite have ample opportunity to escape this creeper was quite content to stay in its driveway. Domesticated Lesser Central Creepers quickly lose the ability to survive on their own. They should never be reintroduced to the wild.

This is the third species account in the Vancouver Island Shopping Carts series. Julian Montague at The Stray Shopping Cart Project has developed a method of classifying stray carts that might be of interest to those wanting to learn more about species of carts in their own area. Researchers should also consult Rock, Paper, Lizard for detailed species accounts of Lower Mainland/Vancouver carts.