What Lives in Pinery

Habitats in Pinery

There are many different habitats within the boundaries of Pinery Provincial Park.  This variety of habitats helps to make Pinery a unique place.  The protection of these habitats is just one example of how Ontario Parks helps to preserve Ontario's ecological diversity through its system of provincial parks

Wildlife Viewing Do's and Don'ts

While we cannot tell you exactly how to go about spotting all of Pinery's wildlife species, we can give you some pointers that will increase your chances of viewing wildlife during your stay at Pinery.

Do's:
Go out in the early morning.  Many bird and mammal species are active at this time of the day because of the cool morning temperatures.  Aswell, most of your fellow campers are still sleeping, and the park will be quiet.

Ride a bike along the bike path and pull off to the side of the road often to stop, look and listen.

Walk silently along a trail and pause to sit at one of the many benchs for a few minutes.  The key to seeing birds and animals is to be quiet and patient.

Binoculars can often help you get a closer look at many birds and mammals, but all that's needed is a keen eye and ear.

Don'ts:
Never offer food to any wildlife, it creates nuisance animals and is illegal in Provincial Parks. Once an animal becomes familiar with the high energy food that humans consume, they will never go back to a natural diet.

Never touch or capture any wildlife. Adult animals often leave their young alone while they forage for food. Once in captive care, many animals will die as we cannot provide all of the requirements for them to live.

Never harass or chase wildlife. Many animals will die from the stress of even a short chase. Dogs that are not kept on a leash often kill several deer simply from chasing them until the deer collapse in exhaustion.