Canada is not only known for its diverse landscape, from plains, mountains, rivers, and lakes to the Arctic tundra but is also home to thousands of different species of animals and plants. And if you are an animal lover like me, your heart must feel full while cradling your furry friend.
However, many species and animals are in danger of extinction due to changes in the climates, deforestation, pollution, and global warming. But still, Canada is home to many of them. So, here I will tell you about various species you can spot there while travelling.
Every creature on this planet is Godโs beautiful creation. And, we have no right to harm them. Just, explore natureโs beauty and cherish their presence.
Pragya
1. Leatherback Sea Turtle

The first on the list is the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea), named after its leathery shell, which is a migrating water animal throughout the North Atlantic Ocean. These turtles can weigh over 900kg and heighten up to 7 feet long. More than 1,000 turtles go to the Atlantic Canadian Sea yearly to eat jellyfish.
However due to marine pollution, changes in nesting beaches, climate change, fisheries, and poaching of their eggs, more than 70% of the population of these turtles has declined globally. I would suggest you explore Pacific Canada off the coasts of British Columbia to spot them. However, you can easily discover them in Atlantic Canada from April to December.
2. Narwhal

Narwhal, also known asย Monodon Monoceros, is a whale with a long horn on its forehead, they are also famously known as theย Unicorns of the Sea.ย You will be surprised to know that these animals are distant relatives of the Beluga Whale. But like most marine animals, these species are at risk due to climate change, fishing, pollution, oil spills, and shipping. You can only find them in the Arctic Canada.
3. North Atlantic Right Whale

The North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is one of the largest marine animals. These whales got their name โRight Whaleโ from being the right whale to hunt due to their size and the fact that they float when killed. Unfortunately, because of this hunting, these species were almost nearing extinction in the early 1900s. Later, whale hunting was made illegal and was a punishable offence. So, remember that no hunting expeditions in Canada!
If you are curious to spot this creature in Canada; visit the Bay of Fundy. You can find them in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gaspรฉ Peninsula(Quebec).
4. Peary Caribou

Peary Caribou (Rangifer Tarandus Peary)ย might be one of the least-known animals in the world. Theyโre only found in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. They are herbivorous, fast runners and great swimmers. The time change of the ice melts in the Arctic, and the freezing affects their migrating pattern and makes it difficult for them to find food So, ask your guide if you have permission to feed them from a safe distance.
5. Atlantic Whitefish

Coming back again to sea creatures, the next is Atlanta Whitefish (Coregonus Huntsman). You can find it in the lakes and rivers of Nova Scotia, although remember that the last wild population of Atlantic Whitefish was found in the Petite Riviรจre watershed and now only 1,000 Atlantic whitefish are remaining in the area. The whitefish is threatened by habitat degradation, pollution, and predation. Due to the measures, Nova Scotiaโs whitefish population has been controlled and expanded as a part of a new strategy for species recovery.
6. Blue Whale

The Blue Whale (Balaenoptera Musculus)ย must be the most obvious one on this list. These whales can weigh 200 tons and grow up to 98ft, but unfortunately are critically endangered due to climate change, ship strikes, fishing nets, and pollution.
7. Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee

A fun and quirky name, isnโt it? The Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus Bohemicus) needs a specific type of meadow to live, and with the increasing development in Canada, these natural habitats for these bees are disappearing. Interestingly, these bees are the main pollinators of the wildflowers in Canada. If these bees are extinct, then it can mess up the Eco-systems. The special concern includes parasites, global warming, and climate change.
If you are in the Pinery Provincial Park in Ontario, you might spot them.
8. Whooping Crane

Whooping Crane (Grus Americana) is one of the largest birds in North America, the bird stands over five feet tall and has eight feet of wingspan. They are usually white with black wingtips and also have a brownish-red patch on their heads. You can find them in the Wetlands of Alberta and Saskatchewan, where these cranes nest and breed. The Wood Buffalo National Park is the main destination to spot these birds.
9. Wolverine

No matter how much this sounds imaginary or unreal, an animal is identified as a Wolverine. Wolverine (Gulo Gulo) is a fierce and hardy animal. You will be shocked to notice that it is about the size of a medium-sized dog and is a distant relative of wolf and beer. Unfortunately, only a few hundred wolverines remain in this world, they are in danger due to habitat destruction, trapping, and hunting.
Still, you can spot them in most parts of Ontario, Canada and the province of Manitoba. But be careful, these could be a bit dangerous.
10. Harlequin Duck

One of the most beautiful and fascinating animals for sure, donโt you agree? The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus Histrionicus) is a small sea duck you can discover in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. These ducks normally prefer cold and fast-flowing rivers and streams. Although harlequin ducks are threatened by habitat loss due to development and pollution, this also makes it harder for them to find food for themselves.
11. Northern Leopard Frog

You will be amazed to know that the Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates Pipiens or Rana Pipiens) is a native frog species which releases certain enzymes that can be a potential cure for cancer. Even though the eastern population of this animal is not endangered, the rocky mountain variation is endangered. The Northern Frog is believed to have decreased due to several factors which include habitat loss, surrounding degradation, disease, and climate change.
12. Vancouver Island Marmot

The Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota Vancouverensis) is a ground squirrel. You can find them only onย Vancouver Islandย in British Columbia. These animals are shy and elusive and often are not seen by humans, so your plan to spot them might be difficult to execute.
13. Blandingโs Turtle

The Blandingโs Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) is a unique turtle semi-aquatic in nature. You must remember that these turtles are considered critically endangered, and there are special concerns that they may become extinct soon. The chances of spotting are more around the Great Lake Basin.
14. Burrowing Owl

A burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small and long-legged owl, these owls are also known as hill owls or ground owls. This owl got their name from their habit of nesting and roosting the excavated burrows by the prairie dogs and other animals. You can find them in native grasslands, rangelands, and agricultural areas, remember that these owls are active during the days but avoid the midday heat. Try to find them while exploring the natural surroundings in Alberta and Saskatchewan
15. Piping Plover

Piping Plover (Charadrius Melodus Melodus) is a small shorebird, hence you must carry binoculars when you set out to find them, you can spot them in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia coasts. They are calm and shy birds that like to breed, rest and feed, so donโt disturb them, please!
Closing Thoughts
Isnโt it sad to know that all of these creatures come under the category of endangered species? Unfortunately, they are on the verge of extinction, and somehow, itโs our fault. If these animals and their species end, the ecosystem will go haywire, and the balance of nature can get ruined. So, on your next trip to Canada, if you have any chance to explore these animals make sure you do not disturb or harm them.
Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
Another endangered species I’d the royal Bengal tiger , I honestly hope that government could take some strict action against these things and safe these poor animals.