 The taiga is dominated by coniferous trees, notably balsam fir and black spruce, though the deciduous white birch, trembling aspen and mountain ash are also present.The most common animals are the moose, American black bear, Canada lynx, red fox, pine marten, short-tailed weasel, and American mink.Beavers, muskrats, and river otters thrive in the many rivers, streams, and wetlands.