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River otter, pileated woodpecker,
northern watersnake and hawk moth are just a sampling of
the variety of wildlife to be seen in Muskoka. Muskoka
boasts over 250 species of birds, almost 50 kinds of
mammals, 25 types of reptiles and amphibians, dozens of
different fish and hundreds of plant varieties.
Locations
listed are all easy to find and all are accessible to the public.
These places are sensitive to intrusion and deserve your respect.
Take along a pair of binoculars, pack a picnic lunch and be prepared
for some great wildlife experiences.
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Ministry
of Natural Resources
You
must have Adobe
Acrobat Reader to view these Portable Document Format (or PDF)
publications.
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Deer
Conservation in Winter
Guidelines
for Winter Feeding of Deer in Ontario
Living
with Black Bears in Ontario; A guide to co-existing
The
Snow Network for Ontario Wildlife
The
Wolves of Algonquin Provincial Park
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WILDLIFE CENTRES
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Muskoka Wildlife Centre
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WILDLIFE VIEWING AREAS
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BRACEBRIDGE RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT CENTRE
One of the
best wildlife viewing locations in south Muskoka. Deer, moose and
even black bear have been seen in this area. Bird watchers will
thrill to the sights and sounds of Swainson's Thrush, Winter Wren
and Scarlet Tanager. Managed by the Ministry of Natural
Resources. Take Hwy #11 north out of Bracebridge, 2.4km past the
MNR office to the marker on the east side of the highway.
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SEWAGE LAGOONS
The lagoons in Bracebridge are well known for
nature viewing, particularly birds. In early April you can walk
the dykes of the treatment facility to find rafts of waterfowl.
The Muskoka Field Naturalists Club with its regular Saturday
morning hikes in May have recorded over 100 species of birds. Easy
access from Kerr Park.
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ARROWHEAD PROVINCIAL
PARK
Classed as a Natural Environment park off Hwy #11
north of Huntsville. Songbirds are in abundance during migration,
and redstarts, blackburnian warblers and chestnut sided warblers
are just a few of the many that stay to breed. Smaller mammals
are also in evidence, including the river otter.
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ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK
A world famous park right at Muskoka's doorstop. A
vast wilderness with an abundance of northern species like moose,
timber wolves and black bear. Take Hwy #60 out of Huntsville and
follow the signs.
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H.N.
CROSSLEY NATURE RESERVE
12 hectare site is a typical sphagnum bog of the Canadian
Shield. Pitcher plants, sundew and uncommon species like grass
pink and white fringed orchid are found there. Abandoned beaver
meadows no longer host the creators but provide suitable habitat
for other animals like moose. South of Rosseau, along Hwy 632 for
about 6 km. Turn east at Burgess Rd for 3 km. Sign marks the reserve
entrance.
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ASPEN VALLEY WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY
A
120 hectare wildlife care facility just outside the village of Rosseau.
Visitors can see the animals up close and learn of rehabilitation work
being done there.
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J.P. MCVITTIE NATURE
RESERVE
Nature
reserve located in the centre of Eilean Gowan Island on Lake Muskoka.
Travel by boat to the inlet between Eilean Gowan Island and Browning
Island and dock at the municipal dock. Hike in from here.
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ELEANOR ISLAND
Small
island located in the south end of Lake Muskoka. Home to herring gulls
and great blue herons. Viewing only, as landing on the island is
prohibited.
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LESLIE M. FROST NATURAL
RESOURCE CENTRE
Learn
about wildlife, participate in programs and workshops, and explore the
trails.
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MUSKOKA WILDLIFE CENTRE
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TORRANCE BARRENS
CONSERVATION RESERVE
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