From the east coast of Canada to the west lives an abundance of wildlife ranging from birds to bees to bears. The unique environments found within the continental Canadian expanse accounts for the diversity of animal life. Even the earliest inhabitants of Canada had a deep appreciation and even reverence for nature and nature's animals.
Geese
Although there are many types of geese in Canada, the Canadian Goose is the best known. It breeds in nests close to bodies of water, and migrates south for the winter. The geese are herbivores, eating primarily grasses and grains, as well as feeding off aquatic vegetation. Canadian geese mate for life and raise their families together. The eggs and goslings (baby geese) are prey for foxes, bears, and other birds, who are often thwarted by the formation of cresches or groups of geese who band together for their mutual protection, and by the aggressive actions of adult geese.
Snowy owls
The Snowy Owl is a beautiful bird with a striking white face, and black and white feathers. It is also known as the Arctic Owl or the Great White Owl. In the summer it lives above latitude 60 but migrates in the winter to find warmer weather and to find prey. The Snowy Owl builds a nest on the ground and lays approximately half a dozen to a dozen or more eggs. The Snowy Owl eats small animals and birds, notably the lemming. An interesting side note: Harry Potter's Hedwig is a Snowy Owl.
Caribou
Canada has a large wild mammal population. Caribou are plentiful in most of Canada. These antlered animals are better known as Reindeer, and are primarily herbivorous but will sometimes feed on rodents and eggs. Caribou are fleet of foot and can attain speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. They migrate in the fall and winter.
Moose
Moose comprise the largest variety of deer in Canada. The male's antlers are plamate, meaning they have wide, flat areas resembling the palm of the hand. Each year the moose loses his antlers, but will grow a new pair in the spring. Wolves prey on moose, and man hunts them for game.
Smaller animals
Smaller animals include beavers, porcupines, squirrels, marmots, raccoons, rabbits and hares, moles, bats, and thousands of others. Marine wildlife includes whales, seals, walruses, dolphins, and countless varieties of fish. The wild cat family includes lynxes and cougars, while the wild dog family is represented by foxes and wolves. The larger mammals are bears and deer.
Canada protects its wildlife by legislation. It establishes hunting regulations and builds preserves throughout the country. These sanctuaries provide opportunities to educate the visitor about the importance of protecting wildlife, and a stable, natural habitat for wild animals to live and thrive unmolested.