Wildlife
Additional Information
Black bears
Black bears are generally shy and often stay away from people.
Bears actively feed from mid April until late fall and will travel up to 100 km to find food. They can be attracted to pet food that is left outdoors, bird feeders, barbecues, composters, fruit trees, sweet corn and grain fields.
If you need to report at bear problem, call the provincial Bear Reporting Line at 1-866-514-BEAR (2327). In the event of a bear emergency, call police by dialling 9-1-1. For complete information on dealing with bears including what farmers can do to keep bears at bay, see Bear Wise from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Coyotes
Coyotes have adjusted to living near towns and farms and occasionally within cities.
The coyote adapts its diet to available food sources like rodents, other small mammals, fruits, grasses, vegetables and even trash. Unfortunately, coyotes are increasingly responsible for livestock kill when easy prey is in reach such as sheep or a newborn calf.
The Ontario SPCA has developed a fact sheet “Living with Coyotes” which includes guidelines on deterring coyotes from residential properties and protecting farm animals.
For more information, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources also has a fact sheet "Coyotes in the Community."
Deer
White-tailed deer are common in Ottawa and can often be spotted along roadways and open fields. Deer can destroy vegetable and flower gardens, ruin trees and shrubs and agricultural crops.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is responsible for managing deer populations in the province of Ontario.
Deer and vehicle collisions are a major safety concern especially during the fall hunting and mating season. During this time, the City of Ottawa embarks on an annual campaign that focuses on reducing deer and wildlife collisions.
Foxes
The red fox typically lives on the edges of wooded areas and farms, but have been seen in villages, towns and even cities. Foxes only use dens when they are breeding. These dens are usually dug in sand and soil.
Red foxes are nocturnal, but it’s not unusual for them to be spotted during the day. They also have excellent sight, smell and hearing abilities which helps them hunt. . Foxes eat small mammals such as mice, voles, rabbits and beaver, fish, reptiles, fruits of all sorts and garbage.
In addition, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has provided a fact sheet entitled Living with Foxes.
Wolves
In general, wolves avoid contact with humans and tend to be nocturnal. Coyote are often mistaken for wolves because they are so similar.
Wolves mostly eat white-tailed deer, smaller mammals and rodents. Occasionally, when the wolf’s natural food source is scarce, they will attack and kill livestock.
In addition, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has provided a fact sheet entitled Living with Wolves.
Other mammals, bats and birds
See Having a problem with wildlife? for more information on wildlife.
Hunting regulations in Ontario
For information about hunting specifically (e.g. open seasons), contact the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources or call 1-800-667-1940. You can also download a copy of the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Discharge of firearms
Although the City of Ottawa does not regulate hunting, the Discharge of Firearms By-law No. 2002-344 regulates the discharge of firearms within the boundaries of the City of Ottawa for public safety.
Discharge of firearms by-law – exemption for livestock protection
An exemption to this bylaw exists for “a farmer or his or her agent, in order to scare or destroy animals that are found in the act of killing or injuring livestock or poultry and wildlife destroying his or her property in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, Chap.22 and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, Chap. 41, as amended.”
