Bears? What do you mean I have to watch out for bears?
Not Winnie The Pooh. Not Paddington or Yogi. We’re talking legit, carnivorous, rip-your-face off bears that will shred you in about three seconds flat if you get on their bad side.
My visions of becoming one with nature in Northern Ontario melted away like a Kawartha Dairy ice cream cone left in the sun. News of the occasional bear strolling through town was shocking. Skunks, raccoons, and even the odd coyote are familiar to me. I’ve seen plenty of them in the city. But my experience with bears and wolves is limited to nature documentaries, and I’m in no hurry to meet them in person. In fact, on our first night in Magnetawan, I took my little dog, Gracie, for a late-night pee on the front lawn. As I stood gazing at the starry sky, I heard a rustling sound in the nearby trees. I was back in the house so fast that I doubt my feet – or my dog’s paws – even touched the ground. I’ll admit that I’d probably been spooked by the wind, but this city girl is unwilling to become dinner for any critter – with Gracie as an appetizer.
To be sure, cohabitating with wildlife has a significant learning curve and I confess to being amused by my own ignorance. Shortly after our move, hubby and I took a break from unpacking to cruise into Burk’s Falls for a coffee. (25 minutes to the closest Tim Horton’s??? That’s a Cityit complaint for another day!) On our way back we stopped to have a look at Magnetawan Centennial Park. I commented that I loved the three wooden deer that had been placed nearby to look like they were watching over picturesque Lake Cecebe. Imagine my city girl shock when one of the “wooden deer” rose and casually strolled away. I stared in bewildered silence as his friends stood and followed him down Highway 520 like cottagers out for an afternoon walk. Now I know what cavemen must have felt like the first time they saw fire.
This mom and two fawns hung out on our front lawn before continuing on their evening walk.
And then there’s the most magical wildlife spotting of all.
Moose. The iconic symbol of the Canadian wilderness. For years, I’ve driven all over this province hoping for even a glimpse of the majestic beast but, alas, they eluded me. I was so disheartened by my fruitless search that I came to believe that moose were the unicorn of the north – a mythical creature that only chosen few ever see. So many people had told me about their incredible size and beauty, but I knew I would not believe it until I saw one with my own eyes.
That moment came while driving home one evening. It was a beautiful, early spring night and we were cruising along enjoying the beginning of the sunset. Suddenly, Mike dropped an OMG and pulled over. There on the side of the road was the animal I’d waited so long to see; a beautiful, young moose.
It looked over one shoulder curiously to see what we were doing before returning to placidly chewing grass. It was a young moose, exquisitely beautiful and awe inspiring. We sat for several minutes watching him with appreciation.
“You know,” Mike said at last. “I hope its mother isn’t close by. She wouldn’t be happy to see us.”
The prospect of being on the receiving end of a beat down by a mama moose protecting her baby snapped me back to reality. Being careful not to scare it into running away, we left. I couldn’t believe that I’d finally seen the animal I’d searched years for. Moose are real after all.
I’ve seen a few more moose since then but the memory of that first sighting will always stay with me.
My first moose sighting.
As I continue to encounter more wild animals in Northern Ontario, I’m increasingly aware that this is their home and natural habitat, and they deserve to be treated with respect. My awe of their wild beauty approaches reverence and I have a true love for them. As I mentioned earlier, I’m in no hurry to get too close to wild animals. I’m well aware that they will protect both their young and themselves, so I keep a safe distance. Getting up in their face is a sure way of inviting trouble.
And now that my mission to see a moose has concluded successfully, I have a new venture in mind. Big Foot – I’m coming for you. I’ll keep you guys posted.
Love,
Your local Cityit
We’d love to see your pics and videos of northern wildlife! Send them to us and we’ll post them for everyone to enjoy.
