While on a quick tour, this past weekend in cottage country, I came across these adorable baby raccoons while they were en route to an animal shelter. Seeing wildlife in Ontario is quite common yet they're not generally inside a cardboard box ;) ...so, of course I had to see what I was hearing and holly crap these darling little raccoons were so cute, cuddly and hungry! No doubt these 'coon cubs (kits) were also missing their Momma who was most likely killed on the highway ;(
Black bears have awoken from their winter slumber and they're both hungry, extremely cranky and on the move! So, despite how cute and cuddly they appear to be, under no circumstances is it okay to approach nor encourage them...Imagine yourself sleeping in some dark hole for months on end without eating, how would you feel when you woke up? ;)
There have been numerous Black Bears sightings in Ramara, Severn, Tay, Tiny and the Lake of Bays townships along with a recent attack in Coldwater, Ontario!
Some residents who have lived in these areas for decades report having seen Black Bears for the first time this season. Yesterday, a Black bear took a stroll across the golf course at Taboo Resort in Gravenhurst and people were on the green golfing x#yards away!!
- Keep your household waste, garbage and compost in sealed receptacles or containers designed for the job. Plastic bags are not considered a sufficient barrier where animals are concerned.
- Bird seed, suet and nectar left out for the birds will also attract the Bears.
- BBQ's, Hibachi and any outdoor cooking surface needs to be cleaned after each use. The remaining tidbits of food and grease left in the trap rings the dinner bell.
- Try to remain in a group and on the trails when you're outside hiking. A large, loud group is far less appealing to a hungry Bear than a single person strolling with a chicken wing!
- Fast moving waters make it difficult to hear a bear and for it to hear you as well, if it's a windy day the may not smell you until it's in front of you!
- Avoid or leave trails that broach on a bears food supply such as berries, dead animals or fish along the shorelines.
- Stay in wide open areas and be on alert for bear tracks, droppings, shredded logs and scratched tree trunks which indicate they are in the area.
- Keep your dog on a leash because they may just run back to you when being chased by a bear!
- Never allow young children to wander off ahead of the pack or stray behind nor leave them unattended.
- When you see cute Bear cubs romping around that means their protective Momma is nearby. She will stop at absolutely nothing to protect her young so please don't assume otherwise.
- Make noise while you're on the trails and in while tromping through bushes and forest areas. Bears don't want to make your acquaintance so, let them know you're coming!
TO REPORT BEAR PROBLEMS
Contact the Bear Reporting Line
Phone# 1-866-514-2327
In a life-threatening emergency, call your local police or 911.
It's not snowing in cottage country anymore but one feathered friend, known as the Snow Bunting, doesn't seem to know that. The pretty white bird landed in our yard a couple of weeks ago when the temperatures were hovering around zero plus it was very wet and windy. I guess he must like it here though because he hasn't left, yet.
The stark white feathers of the Snow Bunting stood out against the bright green grass and actually, the poor little birdie looked downright uncomfortable. He was bouncing around all nervous like maybe looking for a... polar bear? I've lived in Ontario's cottage country for almost 12 years but I've never seen a Snow Bunting before, I wonder if he's seen a cat before?
Generally, Snow Buntings nest in the north arctic regions where there's plenty of snow and frozen tundra and they only come down to the southern regions of Canada for warmth...lol, imagine coming to Canada for warmth in the winter!? I'll keep my eyes open for the female version, assuming we've got the male version with the extra pretty plumage.
Spending your leisure time wandering thru the beautiful, picturesque forests within cottage country is definetly time well spent! So why not take the whole family outside for a day of play and enjoy the tranquility that nature has provided. The Copeland Forest, located in central Ontario's cottage country, is another amazing slice of our four season paradise. Take a stroll thru the lush Pine forests speckled with fern and wild mushrooms or watch the Salmon run as you picnic by the river. The scenic trails of Copeland are magnificent for cycling, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog sledding, horseback riding and Geocaching.
An endless ribbon of wilderness trails meander throughout cottage country and the Copeland Forest trails are ideal for those just learning to appreciate walking, hiking and cycling for fun and recreation. Once you've found your 'legs' you could spread your wings and venture onto the Ganaraska Trail which is over 200 km long! There are hundreds of miles of trail systems just within cottage country that also enable ATVing, snowmobiling and other motorized sporting equipment such as...
Bruce Grey County Rail Trail - Ontario's West Coast - Port Elgin - 80 km
CP Trail Southern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe - Flesherton - 77 km
Southern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe - Township of Tiny - 22.5 km
While exploring the trails of Copeland Forest keep your eyes open for wildlife such as White Tailed Deer, Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey. In early fall the Chinook Salmon are running in the Coldwater River which makes for fantastic viewing as many of the Salmon are swimming in just inches of water. Geocaching has become very popular for treasure hunt enthusiasts throughout cottage coutry, with Copeland Forest being one of the mapped hot spots. Horse enthusiasts and pets (on a leash) are welcome while motorized vehicles are not which simply enhances this tranquil setting even more.
How to Get to the Copeland Forest - If you visiting from Barrie you can reach the Copeland Forest from Highway 400, north of Barrie by taking Exit 121 and turning east onto Highway 93 towards Craighurst.
If you have any questions, call the MNR before heading out into Copeland Forest. There are reported Bear sightings in the area at times, so if you have concerns call the MNR. Please do not litter or feed the animals and pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Pack a compass, map, flashlight etc. and wear appropriate attire. Safety should always be a factor when going out of doors and into the wilderness. Hunting is a recreational sport within Ontario in general so regardless of what trail or wilderness area you may be in, take extra precautions during hunting season. Wear bright colours, not your fur coat and antlers!
Simcoe County Trails has a map of cottage country that highlights numerous other Loop and Linear trail systems throughout cottage country.
