One thing to remember is that when you camp in Algonquin Provincial Park, you are really a guest in the home of many different species that live there.  We will attempt to list some of the more common, major animals that you have a good possibility of spotting.

Moose

It's practically impossible not to see a moose in Algonquin as they are very abundant within the Park, approximately one for every two square kilometres.  Chances are you will catch one grazing near the shoreline or in some sort of shallow water, as shown in the picture.  The last thing you want to do if encountering a moose is to "corner" it in such a way that it may feel there is no easy escape.  It's also best not to canoe towards the moose.  If threatened, these animals will defend themselves and their long legs make it much easier for them to move in shallow water than it is for you.  A female moose is more likely to take the defensive if she has young in the nearby area.  With that in mind, we personally have never had any problems with moose and most of the time they could really care less that we're there at all.  Moose have occasionally been known to wander into campsites in search of food.

Black Bear

We've been told that there is a greater population of bear to be found in the east regions of the Park but typically they are scattered throughout.  It's important that if you see one that you remember that it's not behind bars at a zoo. Although the chances are slim, bears have been known to attack humans for no apparent reason.  It's much more probable you will find one wandering into your camp in search of food.  By trait, bears are usually afraid of humans but some lose that fear from associating humans with the possibility of food nearby.  This occurs from careless disposal of waste, improper food storage, or intentionally feeding them.  These "campsite" bears eventually become a nuisance and could end up being captured and destroyed.  To see some guidelines on how to avoid unwanted visitors at your camp, refer to our Camping Tips section.  The old trick of climbing a tree to escape a progressing bear may work, but you should be warned that contrary to the myth, bears can climb trees. Also know that you can not outrun a bear.

Wolves

Timber Wolves (Gray Wolves) are also prominent residents of Algonquin.  Currently there are about 30 packs in the Park totaling an estimated 150 wolves.  You're more likely to hear one than to see one, but you must be prepared for anything!  Much of the same precautions must be taken with wolves as with the bears but with one difference.  Wolves travel in packs.  If you ever see a lone wolf it could mean one of two things: a) there is a pack nearby; or b) this particular wolf has been ousted from the group possibly from rivalry or illness, and is fending for himself.  It is at this point that wolves could become fearless of humans in order to survive.  To our knowledge there has only been a couple of wolf attacks in Algonquin Provincial Park, the most recent being on September 27, 1998, when a lone wolf grabbed a 19 month old boy at the Two Rivers campground.  The child was treated for bite and puncture wounds.  The wolf was found and destroyed.  So don't say it won't happen!

For more information on Public Wolf Howls held in Algonquin during the month of August, refer to The Official Algonquin Provincial Park Web Site

Deer

If you see a deer at all, chances are it's a White Tailed Deer  with it's tail "flagging" through the tall grass or trees.  This serves as a warning to it's fellow "white tailer's" that danger is near.  Another interesting characteristic of this timid creature is the changing colour of it's upper body from a brown in the summer to a beige in the winter for camouflage.

Birds

The Loon - If you never see a loon in Algonquin, a rarity in itself, you will certainly hear one.  These birds spend most of their time swimming and diving for fish, a skill at which they dominate.  A loon dive will last for approximately one minute but they are actually capable of lasting much longer.  Much like the moose, it appears these birds could care less about your presence, undoubtedly because they know they have an underwater retreat.
The Great Blue Heron - These prehistoric looking birds can be quite often found motionless near the shore of lakes waiting for fish or frogs. Camouflaged with the landscape, you may not notice these larger birds until they take flight.
The Osprey - This bird of prey skims the surface of the water before diving beneath to catch fish, it's only means of food.

Beaver

The beaver is really a very aquatic rodent and can be quite entertaining.  Beavers are pudgy, flat tailed, friendly animals that will be found near any water source.  They are very numerous in Algonquin, as are their dams.  It's quite possible that you may find yourself hoisting your canoe over a beaver dam at some point during any given trip, especially if your route involves a large amount of rivers and streams.  When alarmed a beaver will slap it's tail against the water to signal other nearby beavers.  It's important to note that you do not want to consume water found near a beaver lodge as it is possible to contract "beaver fever" due to high concentrations of urine and waste.