You might think Toronto’s suburbs are all about houses, parks, and shopping centers, but nature has other plans. Wild creatures you’d never expect are quietly making themselves at home in backyards, ravines, and green spaces across the Greater Toronto Area. Some are shy visitors under cover of darkness, while others boldly stroll through neighborhoods in broad daylight.
While these animals live near urban areas, always observe wildlife from a safe distance and never attempt to feed or approach them. Contact local wildlife services if you encounter an animal that appears injured or poses a safety concern.
1. Coyotes
Spotting a coyote trotting down a residential street might seem like something from a nature documentary, but it’s becoming surprisingly common around Toronto. These adaptable canines have learned to thrive alongside humans, hunting rabbits, mice, and even feasting on fallen fruit.
They’re most active at dawn and dusk. Keep pets indoors during these hours and never leave food outside that might attract them to your property.
2. Red Foxes
With their flame coloured coats and bushy tails, red foxes look like they belong in storybooks rather than Scarborough or Etobicoke. Yet these clever hunters have made Toronto’s suburbs their personal hunting grounds, nabbing rodents and insects with impressive skill.
Fun fact: Foxes sometimes cache extra food by burying it for later. You might spot small digging spots in your yard where they’ve hidden their snacks!
3. Wild Turkeys
Picture a bird nearly a metre tall strutting across your lawn like it owns the place. Wild turkeys have made an incredible comeback in Ontario after nearly disappearing decades ago, and now they roam suburban areas with surprising confidence.
These large birds travel in flocks and aren’t shy about stopping traffic. Males display impressive fan shaped tails during spring mating season, creating quite the neighborhood spectacle.
4. Raccoons
Toronto’s unofficial mascot deserves a spot on this list because raccoons here have evolved into genius level problem solvers. These masked bandits can open complex latches, remember solutions for years, and have even learned to work together to access food sources.
Research from York University shows Toronto raccoons demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities. They’ve essentially created a raccoon university in our city, passing knowledge between generations about navigating urban life.
5. White Tailed Deer
Imagine looking out your kitchen window and locking eyes with a graceful deer munching on your hostas. White tailed deer populations have exploded around Toronto’s suburbs, particularly in areas near ravines and the Rouge Valley.
While beautiful, they can devastate gardens overnight. Consider planting deer resistant species like lavender or daffodils. These elegant browsers can jump nearly two meters high, making fencing tricky.
6. Snapping Turtles
Something prehistoric lurks in Toronto’s ponds and creeks. Snapping turtles, some weighing over 15 kilograms, inhabit wetlands throughout the GTA and occasionally wander into yards near water during nesting season in June.
Despite their intimidating appearance and powerful jaws, they’re generally peaceful unless handled. If you spot one crossing a road, contact Toronto Wildlife Centre rather than attempting to move it yourself. They’re a threatened species.
7. Great Horned Owls
That haunting hoot echoing through your neighbourhood after dark? It’s likely a great horned owl, one of Toronto’s most impressive nocturnal residents. These powerful predators nest in suburban parks and ravines, hunting everything from mice to skunks.
With their piercing yellow eyes and prominent ear tufts, they’re unmistakable. Listen for their distinctive five hoot pattern: hoo hoo hoo, hoo hoo. They mate for life and return to the same territories yearly.
