Exploring Mississauga’s wildlife: ways to help and protect

Mississauga isn’t just a busy city with lots of people; it’s also a place where many different animals live. This mix of city and nature makes it special. You can see animals like deer at Riverwood Conservancy and squirrels in the parks. There are all kinds of animals here, and it’s important we look after them.

Mississauga is perfect for wildlife because it has natural areas, rivers, creeks, green spaces, forests, and wetlands. You can spot birds like the Red-tailed Hawk and the Great Blue Heron or animals like beavers, mink or muskrats near the Credit River, and the water is full of fish like the Northern Pike and Salmon.

In places like Meadowvale Conservation Area, you might see deer, coyotes, and even red foxes. Smaller animals, like chipmunks and turtles, also live here. All these animals show how rich and varied Mississauga’s wildlife is.

To enjoy seeing these animals while keeping them safe, here are some simple rules to follow:

• Watch from a distance: Stay far enough away so you don’t scare them. Use binoculars or a camera to see them better.
• Don’t feed them: Giving animals food can cause problems, especially if it’s the wrong kind of food. It can also cause safety concerns for other wildlife and people.
• Keep dogs on leashes: This keeps both the wildlife and your dog safe when you’re in natural areas.
• Clean up after yourself: Litter can be dangerous to animals, so make sure you take your garbage with you and dispose of it properly.

Protecting local wildlife

Here’s how you can help protect Mississauga’s wildlife:

• Help with conservation projects: Join groups working to save natural areas, like the Credit Valley Conservation or the Riverwood Conservancy. Giving some of your time or money can really help.
• Plant native plants and flowers: Choose local plants for your garden. These are good for the animals here, which helps enhance your property and attract wildlife naturally without altering their behaviour.
• Support green spaces in the city: Encourage the city to keep and improve green areas. Animals do better when they have connected, safe spaces to live.

Mississauga’s animals are a big part of what makes the city unique. By learning about them and treating them right, we can make sure they’re here for a long time. Helping with conservation and supporting green spaces are great ways to keep our animal neighbours safe.

As a reminder, Mississauga Animal Services is here to assist with urgent animal rescues and to investigate any issues about animal welfare, dog bites, or local animal laws. If you find an animal that appears to be hurt, in danger, or behaving aggressively towards people or other pets, please call 905-896-5858 and press option one.

Find more information about licensing, adopting and fostering pets, pet care, animal emergencies and local wildlife and nuisance animals by visiting Animals and Pets.

Tags

• Parks and Forestry
• Wildlife and Pets