Canadian forests support diverse wildlife, including several species that can pose a risk to unprepared hikers. The black bear (Ursus americanus) and grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), moose (Alces alces), coyote (Canis latrans), and cougar (Puma concolor) are among species documented in many forested regions across Canada.
The vast majority of forest outings occur without any wildlife-related incident. Understanding the behaviour of these animals and following precautions recommended by Parks Canada significantly reduces the likelihood of problematic encounters.
Bears: black and grizzly
Canada is home to both major North American bear species. Black bears are present in virtually all forested provinces and territories. Grizzly bears are found mainly in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.
Preventing encounters
Parks Canada recommends making noise while moving through forest to signal your presence to bears and give them time to move away. Bear bells, normal conversation, and periodic whistling are effective signals. Hikers in groups are statistically less exposed to problematic encounters than solo hikers.
Food odour management is an important precaution on multi-day hikes. Food, hygiene products, and waste should be stored in bear-resistant containers or hung at least 4 metres high and 1 metre from a vertical tree trunk — a technique known as a bear hang.
Conduct during an encounter
During a bear encounter: stay calm, speak in a low voice, and back away slowly without turning your back on the animal. Never run — this can trigger a chase instinct.
Appropriate conduct differs by species and type of attack:
- Defensive attack (surprised bear or one with cubs): make yourself as small as possible in a fetal position, protect the back of your neck, and remain still until the bear withdraws.
- Predatory attack (bear that follows and attacks deliberately, often at night): defend yourself actively, targeting the muzzle and eyes.
Parks Canada's bear safety documentation details the distinctions between these two types of interactions and the recommended behaviours in each case.
Bear spray
Bear spray containing high-concentration capsaicin has demonstrated effectiveness as a deterrent in several studies published in wildlife management journals. It should be carried in an accessible location (on your belt, not in your pack) and used at close range when a charging bear is within 10 metres. Parks Canada regulations specify conditions of use in national parks.
Moose
The moose is the largest deer species in North America and can weigh several hundred kilograms. Although generally non-aggressive toward humans, it poses a real danger in certain situations:
- Cows with calves in spring and early summer
- Bulls during the rut (September–October)
- Animals that feel cornered or trapped
If a moose adopts an aggressive posture (ears flattened, neck hair raised, snorting), retreat immediately and take cover behind a solid obstacle — a tree of adequate size can make a difference. Unlike bears, moose generally withdraw quickly once the perceived threat is gone.
Cougar
The cougar, also called mountain lion or puma, is found mainly in British Columbia and parts of Alberta. Direct encounters are rare, as the animal naturally avoids human contact. Risk behaviours are primarily associated with people alone, children, and unleashed pets.
During an encounter: maintain eye contact, appear as large as possible (raise your arms, open your coat), speak firmly, and back away slowly. Never flee. If a cougar attacks, defend yourself actively.
Ticks
The black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), a potential vector of Lyme disease, is present in several forested regions of southern Canada — mainly southern Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and the Maritimes. The Public Health Agency of Canada maintains a map of at-risk tick distribution.
Recommended precautions:
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants when hiking in brushy terrain
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin on exposed skin
- Inspect skin and clothing after each outing, paying particular attention to warm areas (armpits, scalp, behind the knees)
- If a tick is attached, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers without twisting or crushing, then note the date and watch for a circular expanding rash in the following weeks
Other general precautions
Several general practices help reduce wildlife-related risks during Canadian forest outings:
- Keep dogs on leash on trails where required — a loose dog can provoke or escalate an encounter with a bear or moose
- Do not leave food unattended at a campsite
- Store food waste in sealed containers
- Do not feed wild animals — even squirrels or jays — as this alters their natural behaviour and makes them more dependent on humans