Curious Creatures of Canada – Small, Bold & Oddly Personal, and Occasionally Rude

Not every wildlife encounter in Canada involves claws or fangs. Sometimes it’s a squirrel in your snack bag or a goose giving you the stink-eye. Here’s how to stay safe (and amused) around the country’s most common—and surprisingly feisty—wildlife.

You’ll find them in urban parks and campgrounds, especially in places like Stanley Park. They’re clever, persistent, and not at all shy.

• Don’t feed them—they’ll follow you
• Secure your garbage—they’ll open it
• Zip your bag—they’ll unzip it
• Never corner a raccoon—they do bite

They’re cute, but remember: they’re wild animals with sharp teeth and sharper instincts. Respect the mask.

Don’t be fooled by the fluffy tail. These bold little climbers have been known to dash up pant legs, dig into backpacks, and snatch snacks straight from your hands.

• Keep food sealed—seriously
• Watch your bag on the ground
• Don’t encourage them, even if they pose adorably

They’ve got charm. And they know it.

In the Rockies, it’s not unusual to find a herd of mountain goats licking the salt off your car. Or blocking the road. Or challenging your bumper with their horns.

• Stay in your vehicle and take photos from a distance
• Don’t try to “shoo” them—they have the right of way (and horns)
• Avoid stopping on narrow cliffside roads near herds

They mean no harm. But your fender may disagree.

Elk are iconic, majestic… and sometimes very, very close. In towns like Banff, it’s not unusual to see one strolling past a café or accidentally entering a lobby through automatic doors.

• Stay back at least 30 m, more during rutting (fall) and calving (spring)
• Never approach for a photo
• If you see ears back or hoof-stomping, back away slowly

Yes, they’re photogenic. No, they don’t want a selfie.

Come summer, these are the animals you’ll be swatting most often.

• Use repellent with DEET
• Wear long sleeves in the woods or wetlands
• Avoid scented lotions
• Horse flies like movement—walk, don’t run

They’re part of the Canadian welcome package. Think of them as nature’s reminder to keep moving.

Don’t let the name fool you. These birds may be national icons, but they’re also the most likely to hiss, chase, or straight-up headbutt if you get too close—especially near goslings.

• Give them space—at least 5–10 m
• Don’t walk between an adult and its chicks
• If threatened: stop, stand tall, and slowly back away
• Never feed them—ever

No animal combines civic symbolism and mild terror quite like the Canada goose.

• Porcupines – Cute but well-armed. Don’t let your dog near them.
• Skunks – You’ll smell them before you see them. If the tail lifts, retreat immediately.
• Crows & Ravens – Incredibly smart and surprisingly vengeful if disrespected. Don’t mock. They remember.
• Black Flies – Common in some regions in spring. Just… bring bug spray.