04/24/2025
Nature Be Naturing - as wildlife starts waking up from winter here’s a little info guide to keep trail users and nature safe this summer.
In the 6+ years of running and grooming on the trails I have seen - fishers, porcupines, deer, snakes, foxes, coyotes, wild turkeys, racoons to name a few. Other than the odd porcupine or wild turkey crossing a trail, these animals are usually running away or freezing in place because
1. they don’t understand why you’re running with nothing chasing you or
2. because they’re trying to avoid being tagged on
Make noise, give them plenty of space if they are on the trail and don’t approach. Keep your dog on a leash (especially at dawn and dusk), don’t leave food or food waste on the trail and if you observe an animal behaving in a way that could put people at risk (approaching people or in distress) call the emergency line - 613.239.5353
I’d be more diligent with mosquitoes, black flies, poison ivy, wild parsnip and of course
Ticks - https://ticktalkcanada.com/tick-facts/
There are lots of good guides available of you need more info:
https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/blog/five-tips-to-enjoy-gatineau-park-and-respect-park-wildlife
… And the wildlife reporting guide:
https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/animals-and-pets/other-animals -0f84b3ae-f121-430b-adbf-f05f29f68836
