Living With Wildlife: Wolves and Other Wild Neighbours

Life in Lake of Bays comes with a front row seat to the natural world. Our forests, lakes, and quiet backroads are home to a wide range of wildlife, including species that some residents may feel uneasy having as neighbours, such as wolves, coyotes, and bears. Many residents enjoy the chance to live so close to nature, and for those who are newer to rural living, a few everyday habits can help everyone feel comfortable and confident while sharing the landscape.

Simple Ways to Keep Pets and Wildlife Safe
Residents are encouraged to keep a safe distance from wild animals, avoid feeding them, and reduce attractants by securing food, water, and shelter sources. These everyday habits support safe coexistence.

• Bring pets indoors at night
• Keep dogs close and on leash, especially at dawn and dusk
• Do not let your dogs roam from your property or chase wildlife
• Spay or neuter pets to reduce unwanted interactions with wild canids
• Clean up pet waste to avoid attracting wildlife
• Store garbage, compost, and pet food securely
• Keep yards tidy by removing brush piles and closing off spaces under decks or sheds
• Fence your property with a two‑metre‑high fence that extends at least 20 centimetres underground.
• Never feed wildlife
• Always keep you, your family and pets a safe distance away from wild animals

Wolves, coyotes, and bears are an important part of the natural character of Lake of Bays. With a few thoughtful practices, residents, visitors, pets, and wildlife can continue to enjoy this beautiful place together.

If you would like to learn more about preventing unwanted interactions with wildlife, the Province of Ontario provides clear guidance and resources. Visit the Prevent conflicts with wildlife page at Ontario.ca for more information.