You might not need to venture deep into the wilderness to spot wildlife, many Canadian suburbs are teeming with animals that have quietly adapted to urban life. From raccoons rummaging through bins to foxes trotting across lawns at dawn, these creatures have learned to thrive alongside humans.
Their ability to navigate traffic, back gardens, and even patio lights shows just how resourceful they’ve become. While some species, like skunks and squirrels, are familiar faces, others, including coyotes, deer, and even owls, are turning suburban neighbourhoods into part of their territory.
These close encounters remind us that Canadian cities are still connected to nature, and that wildlife is always closer than it seems.
This article is for general knowledge only and based on verified information from wildlife and conservation sources. Animal presence varies by region and season. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Coyotes
Coyotes have become skilled urban survivors. They roam through parks, schoolyards, and even residential streets after dark, searching for food like rodents, fruit, and unfortunately, pet food left outside.
Their adaptability is remarkable. These canines have learned to navigate traffic, avoid human contact during busy hours, and raise pups in green spaces tucked between housing developments.
If you spot one, keep your distance and never approach. Secure garbage bins, bring pets indoors at night, and remove outdoor food sources to discourage visits to your property.
2. Red Foxes
With their fiery coats and bushy tails, red foxes are surprisingly common in suburban areas. They’re drawn to neighbourhoods because small mammals like mice and voles thrive near human homes, providing an easy meal.
Foxes are mostly nocturnal but sometimes appear during dawn or dusk. You might notice them trotting along fences, investigating compost bins, or resting under garden sheds.
These creatures are generally shy and pose little threat to people. Keep an eye on small pets, though, and avoid leaving food scraps outdoors that might attract them closer.
3. Black Bears
Black bears wandering into suburbs might sound alarming, but it happens more often than you’d think, especially in communities near forests or mountainous regions. They’re usually searching for easy calories like garbage, birdseed, or fruit trees.
Most encounters occur during spring and summer when bears are hungriest. They’re typically not aggressive unless surprised or protecting cubs.
Never leave trash outside overnight, take down bird feeders during warmer months, and pick ripe fruit promptly. If you see one, back away slowly, make yourself appear large, and speak calmly without running.
4. White-Tailed Deer
Graceful and surprisingly bold, white-tailed deer have embraced suburban living. Manicured lawns, garden plants, and ornamental shrubs offer them a buffet that’s hard to resist, especially during harsh winters when natural food becomes scarce.
You’ll often see them in early morning or evening hours, munching on flowers, vegetables, or young tree shoots. While beautiful to watch, they can cause significant damage to landscaping.
Fencing gardens, using deer-resistant plants, and motion-activated sprinklers can help protect your yard. Remember, feeding them is discouraged as it encourages dependency on human-provided food.
5. Raccoons
Those clever masked bandits are everywhere in Canadian suburbs. Raccoons possess nimble paws and sharp intelligence, allowing them to open latches, unscrew lids, and raid garbage cans with ease.
They’re nocturnal, so you’ll likely hear them rustling through bins or scampering across roofs after sunset. Raccoons also den in attics, chimneys, and sheds if given the chance.
Secure trash with tight lids, cap chimneys, and seal potential entry points to your home. Despite their cute appearance, avoid direct contact since they can carry diseases like rabies and roundworm.
6. Moose
Spotting a moose in your neighbourhood feels surreal, but it’s becoming more common in certain Canadian suburbs, particularly those bordering wilderness areas. These massive animals sometimes wander into towns searching for food or simply passing through unfamiliar territory.
Moose can be unpredictable and surprisingly fast despite their size. They’re especially dangerous during mating season or when protecting calves.
If you encounter one, give it plenty of space and never get between a mother and her young. Stay indoors if possible, and contact local wildlife authorities who can safely guide the animal back to its natural habitat.
7. Skunks
Skunks might be small, but their reputation precedes them. These nocturnal creatures dig through lawns hunting for grubs, beetles, and other insects, leaving behind telltale cone-shaped holes.
They also nest under porches, decks, and sheds, making suburban properties ideal real estate. While generally non-aggressive, skunks spray when threatened, creating a smell that lingers for days.
To discourage them, remove insect infestations in your yard, seal crawl spaces, and eliminate food sources like pet dishes or fallen fruit. If sprayed, tomato juice is a myth; use hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap instead.
8. Wild Turkeys
Wild turkeys strutting through suburban streets might look comical, but these birds have made a remarkable comeback across Canada. Once nearly extinct, they’ve adapted well to life near humans, foraging in yards, parks, and even parking lots.
Turkeys travel in flocks and can become quite bold, sometimes blocking traffic or chasing curious pets. Males display aggressive behaviour during spring mating season.
Don’t feed them, as this encourages problematic behaviour. If approached by an aggressive turkey, use an umbrella or hose to discourage it, and maintain eye contact while backing away slowly without turning your back.
