Canada stretches across forests, prairies, mountains, wetlands, three ocean coastlines and Arctic tundra. Its wildlife reflects that variety. Occurrence differs by region, season and population.
Moose
Alces alces
A moose can close its nostrils while feeding underwater.
Forest · WetlandNorth American Beaver
Castor canadensis
Beaver dams can create wetlands used by many other species.
Forest · Freshwater · WetlandCanada Lynx
Lynx canadensis
Its broad, furry paws work like snowshoes.
Forest · ArcticPolar Bear
Ursus maritimus
Polar bears rely heavily on sea ice as a hunting platform.
Arctic · OceanCaribou
Rangifer tarandus
Both female and male caribou can grow antlers.
Forest · Mountains · ArcticWood Bison
Bison bison athabascae
Wood bison are the largest land mammals in North America.
Forest · Grassland · WetlandSea Otter
Enhydra lutris
Sea otters use rocks as tools to open hard-shelled prey.
OceanAtlantic Puffin
Fratercula arctica
Puffins use their wings to swim underwater.
Ocean · CoastCommon Loon
Gavia immer
A loon’s solid bones help it dive efficiently.
Freshwater · OceanGrizzly Bear
Ursus arctos horribilis
Its shoulder hump is a mass of powerful digging muscle.
Forest · Mountains · GrasslandAmerican Black Bear
Ursus americanus
Black bears can be brown, cinnamon or even nearly white.
Forest · MountainsArctic Fox
Vulpes lagopus
Its compact ears reduce heat loss in severe cold.
ArcticUse location claims carefully
A polar bear is Canadian wildlife, but that does not mean it occurs in southern cities. A sea otter on Canada’s Pacific coast and an Atlantic puffin in eastern coastal regions occupy very different ranges. Always consult current regional guidance before making wildlife plans.
For status and distribution research, start with the Government of Canada Species at Risk Public Registry and relevant provincial or territorial agencies.