Canada is known for its beautiful fields and vast lakes surrounded by scenic and breathtaking flora that will have you wandering around for hours. And living inside these marvelous areas is some of the world’s most spectacular animals.

From orcas to grizzlies, moose, and even polar bears, the possibility of encountering a wild animal is very probable. Wildlife enthusiasts can take their cameras and stroll around to spot an animal and capture the moment.

Home to Canada’s capital, Ontario, is a province where visitors can find colorful wildlife. In particular, the great lands of Muskoka are where some of Canada’s most pulchritudinous animals live.

If you want to learn more about Canada’s wilderness hidden in this small area and where one can stay to spot the wildlife, keep reading below.

Muskoka’s Fauna

Surrounded by lakes, bays, and picturesque parks, Muskoka enjoys a diverse ecosystem inhabited by bountiful wildlife. We’ve listed some of the most common animal species in the area.

Deer

Muskoka residents have long been warding their gardens of one “enemy” – deers. In particular, the white-tailed deer. These delightful, small creatures are sure to visit a cottage in the area in search of food.

As the name suggests, they are recognized by the white underside of their tails. In summer and spring, they can be spotted with reddish-brown fur, whereas during the winter and autumn, it changes to a more grayish undertone.

Aside from the gentle Bambie-lookalikes, Muskoka is home to other bigger deer species.

The so-called Wapiti, or North American Elk, is recognized for its light brown color, darker necks and legs, and very short tail. They usually stick to open terrains, so if someone wants to see it, it’s better to move away from the thick forests.

Wapiti is a prized game animal, mostly favored for its antlers. If you encounter them, be mindful of their mating season, as the males can be aggressive and even attack if they feel threatened.

However, in other cases, these are pretty friendly animals you can try to feed yourself. In that case, bring violets, clover, dandelions, and aster, as these are their favorites, so the chances of attracting are higher.

Moose 

Aside from the maple leaf, a famous Canadian symbol is the moose. Part of the deer family, this animal is, in fact, the largest member and land mammal in Canada. The males can be easily recognized by their huge, broad antlers (which can spread up to 6 feet), dewlap, and bulky figure, whereas the females only lack the antlers.

The long faces and the slight humps distinguish them from other animals. This construction hinders their ability to feed from higher places, which is why one can usually see a moose eating out of shrubs or taller grasses – this is why pinecones are their favorite food.

One interesting fact about this animal is that it can swim underwater. So it allows the moose to feed on aquatic plants too.

Moving too close is never advised, considering these are huge animals. They can run up to 35 miles if they feel threatened and may be aggressive.

Canadian Loon

When you first see a loon, you will probably assume that they belong to the duck family, as they act like ducks, have webbed feet, and live in the water. Instead, however, these belong to the Gaviidae family.

They have small reddish eyes, medium-sized beaks, black and white feathers, and loud creaks. They also have a distinct way of hunting, as they can dive into the water and grab their meal.

These animals are not used to being around humans, which is why they will waddle away when you go near them. Also, they usually feed on fish, so it’s best not to try and feed them – sit back and enjoy the view.

The Great Blue Heron

Once you see a great blue heron, you will immediately recognize it, as these birds are very easy to distinguish just by how they look. They have long orange beaks, a long narrow head, and a long neck and legs covered in azure-white feathers. Even their wings can be extended to 167-201 cm.

They are elegant flyers and usually tend to build their homes on tall structures, as they love to overlook the land and spot imposters and enemies. Their primary food source is fish, frogs, and even some small mammals or other birds.

Herons might exhibit aggressive behavior when cornered, so make sure you steer clear of them. They feel especially threatened and will attack if their younglings are around or when one gets close to their nest.

These birds are usually spotted in the morning, so if you’re an early riser, go around Muskoka’s lakes and watch them gracefully land in the water, trying to catch their breakfast.

The Red Fox

Although incredibly endearing, the red fox is extraordinarily elusive and can easily sneak around, camouflaging its presence. Therefore, they are best spotted at dawn or dusk, in tall grass or thick woods, as these are the periods where they can slink around quickly and hunt.
Their orange fur is tinted with a light red undertone. Coupled with the pointy ears, fluffy tail, and small beady eyes, there is no chance that someone can miss this animal.

The red fox usually feeds on small mammals but is known to turn to fruits and other shrubby berries. These animals are easily scared and tend to shy away from humans. As they can move fast, be sure to have a camera ready and snap and quick photo before they disappear into the woods.

Best Place to Spot Muskoka Wildlife

Muskoka has abundant wildlife hidden deep in its heart. The animals mentioned above are just some that you can spot even on the most casual hike around the area.

However, if you genuinely want to experience the wilderness at its full potential, then staying at a cottage in the region is the best option. Muskoka Cottage is ideal for enjoying Canada’s stunning flora and fauna.

It is located near a deer habitat, Lake Vernon, and Algonquin Provincial Park, meaning one can see deer, moose, herons, and various other animal kinds.

Visit muskokacottage.com and book your stay. A wilderness adventure awaits!