Hiking season is one of our favorites as pet parents here in Ontario, but with summer hiking adventures come certain risks. Wildlife is abundant in Canada, and Ontario is no exception. 

While some folks believe their pets can help keep them safe from bears, moose, and other wild creatures, pets can actually be a liability on the trail, especially if they’re off-leash. Plus, both you and your pets deserve to stay out of harm’s way. 

Here’s how to stay safe this summer while hiking in North Bay with your pets, brought to you by the team at Parkside Animal Hospital. 

Why Off-Leash Dogs Increase Your Risk of Animal Encounters

Many pet parents feel safer when they’re out in the woods with a beloved canine companion at their side. And may pet parents let their pup off the leash to give him free reign of the forest. But this is a dangerous step to take when it comes to trail safety in Ontario. 

Dogs that run ahead of you off-leash can actually surprise wildlife, and they’re almost 100% likely to chase a black bear or moose they see in the forest. When chased, these wild animals are very likely to chase your pet back—particularly moose, who perceive dogs as predators, similar to wolves, and may charge your pup to defend their own lives.

And where will your pet run when charged by a moose or bear? Straight back to you. 

For true moose and bear safety for dogs, the safest choice is always to keep your dog on a leash and under control at all times, especially in thickly-wooded areas. 

Wildlife Aversion is Always the Goal

Have you ever gone to a national park and seen signs that require visitors to stay 300 yards away from a bear—the length of a football field—and 100 yards away from a moose? These guidelines exist for a reason. Wild animals are completely unpredictable, incredibly powerful, and quick to defend themselves if they feel threatened. 

The safest outcome during any wildlife encounter is no interaction at all. Your goal on the trail is wildlife aversion—keeping your pet and local wildlife far away from each other. Pets that chase, bark at, or approach wildlife drastically increase their own risk of injury, and yours as well. 

Follow these trail safety tips for hiking in North Bay with your pet:

• Keep dogs on a leash at all times. We cannot emphasize this enough. Do not, under any circumstances, allow your dog to run ahead of you off-leash.
• Make noise while hiking. Chat with your pup or call out regularly to alert wildlife that you’re in the area. This gives them time to move out of the way before an encounter can happen.
• Carry bear spray. Keep it accessible and know how to use it in case a bear approaches or charges you. If you see a bear, stay calm, keep your dog close, and slowly back away without running away. If you see a moose, give it tons of space and move behind a tree if it begins to walk toward you.
• Stay alert on the trail. Scan the area consistently for signs of moose, bears, or canine or feline predators. If you notice fresh scat, tracks, or wildlife warnings, find somewhere else to hike.

Following these precautions will help you and your pets enjoy the trail and stay safe at the same time. 

If your dog or cat does have a close call or brush with wildlife during a hike, monitor them for injuries or unusual behaviors afterward. If you notice any limping, fatigue, or stress, our Parkside veterinary team can help. Call us at (705) 223-3404 to schedule a post-wildlife-encounter checkup today!