Canada's most dangerous creatures

Canada's stunning landscapes may boast breathtaking beauty, but even in the shadow of its majestic evergreen trees and towering mountains, darkness lurks. Take a glimpse at this collection featuring Canada's most dangerous creatures, who reside within its borders. Remember, engaging with them is not advisable!
Cougars

The cougar, known as the second heaviest feline in the world, possesses a robust physique enabling it to achieve speeds of 56 km/h. It can also gracefully leap over distances of five meters vertically and nine meters horizontally. Additionally, cougars possess the strength to kill prey four times their own size.
Cougar

While cougars generally do not view humans as prey, there are instances of attacks during severe periods of hunger, with small children being particularly vulnerable. In 2011, a cougar attacked a one-year-old boy on Vancouver Island and another incident involved a young cougar attacking a girl at Alberta's Bow Valley Provincial Park.
Black bears

Residents in Quebec and the Northwest Territories face the highest risk, with the most severe attack happening in Algonquin Park back in 1978. During this incident, three teenagers who were fishing tragically lost their lives to a black bear.

According to CBC, there have been 63 fatalities resulting from bear attacks in North America between 1900 and 2009, with 93% of the victims being attacked by male black bears.
Grizzly bears

Canada is home to around 26,000 grizzlies, with the majority residing in Alberta, which experiences three times more attacks compared to other provinces.

Grizzly bears, unlike black bears, are known for their aggression as they lack the ability to climb trees for safety. They do not initiate attacks; however, humans are their only natural predator. Their bone-crushing bite makes them particularly hazardous.
Coyotes

Coyotes belong to North America and, though they seldom harm humans, they have been observed approaching individuals who jog or stroll with their dogs.

In 2009, Canadian singer Taylor Mitchell tragically lost her life at the age of 19 in Cape Breton Highlands Natural Park due to a fatal coyote attack.
Deer

Deer may not appear lethal due to their tendency to flee promptly, but their swift escape is precisely what renders them dangerous. In Nova Scotia, deer hold the dubious distinction of being the primary reason behind fatal car accidents.
Moose

Nevertheless, there have been instances in British Columbia in 2007 and 2009 where moose attacked individuals due to agitation.
Black widow spiders

The creature's bite can lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, swelling, and irregular heartbeats. In severe instances, if left untreated in children, it can result in death.
Massasauga rattlesnakes

The massasauga snake is primarily found in southern Ontario. It will only strike if touched or trodden upon.
Wolverines

While wolverines rarely attack humans, their teeth, known for effortlessly tearing through frozen carcasses, pose a lethal threat if provoked.
Polar bears

Polar bears pose the highest risk to residents in Nunavut, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador. However, it should be noted that these bears resort to attacking humans only when they struggle to find sustenance, pointing to the impact of climate change.
Prairie rattlesnake

This highly toxic snake captures its typical targets, such as small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and ground-nesting birds, by swiftly striking and delivering its deadly venom before the prey can respond.
Wolves

Various types of wolves inhabit Canada, especially in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba, and the Yukon. Incidents involving attacks on humans arise when these wolves familiarize themselves with people and lose their fear.
Easy steps to avoid death by wild animals

Wildlife officials suggest that to prevent bear encounters, hikers should make noise and have bear spray on hand.