THE WILDLIFE
MEET SOME OF THE WILDLIFE THAT LIVES NEAR WILDLINGS RESORT
This is not a complete list of every animal you may encounter, just the ones we think you may find near our rustic retreat. It is important to remember that these animals, while they usually shy away from humans, can be dangerous. So please always enjoy them from a safe distance. For the best resource for staying safe around wild animals, please visit Wildsafe BC
MOOSE
The largest cervids (deer) in the world! If you have never seen one in the wild, the sheer size and power of these beasts will have you in awe.
MULE DEER
The most common deer in our region. While not as big as a moose, a big buck can be well over 300lbs and are much bigger than their blacktail cousins you'll see on the coast.
BLACK BEAR
Black bears don't grow as big as their grizzly cousins, but they can still be over 7' long! They are omnivores and eat mostly plants and bugs, but they will certainly not say no to a fresh kill.
WHITETAIL DEER
Not as common in our area as the mule deer, but they're around. They tend to be more skittish and quick to run than the muleys, so take your shot or your pic when you get the chance.
COUGAR
Most people will go their whole lives and never see one in person. But out here you may just get the chance to observe one from a safe distance. You don't want to get too close!
WOLF
Wolves are extremely intelligent and are masters of moving around undetected. But they live in the area so you may catch one trotting down a forestry road.
LYNX
Lynx are commonly seen around the lake. They are much bigger than a house cat and feed almost exclusively on hares. They may grab a deer fawn if they get the chance.
COYOTE
Coyotes are cunning little canines and are common in the area. You may hear them hunting near the camp at night. So keep your dogs tied up!
BOBCAT
A close cousin to the lynx. Slightly smaller but look very similar. They have shorter legs and are less picky eaters. They will eat mice and other rodents.
BEAVER
As Canadian as lumberjacks and maple syrup, these guys can be seen swimming across the lake!
RACCOON
Not as common out here in comparison with the city. They are a cheeky little critter but are extremely tough, try to get to close at your peril!
SKUNK
Related to badgers, but we all know what happens when you scare them or make them mad. You'll wish you hadn't!
Pull your dog away from them if they get curious around a skunk or you'll be smelling Pepe le Pew all night.
SNOWSHOE HARE
These big bunnies are common in the area. Think big rabbit with long legs and big feet (hence the name "snowshoe hare"). They use those big feet to float over the snow while running.
MUSKRAT
Muskrats aren't rats at all. They are rodents though. They play a big part in the food chain for larger mammals, eagles and owls.
Because they are a semi-aquatic critter, the lake makes a great home for them.
MARMOT
Sometimes called groundhogs, woodchucks, ground squirrels, these yellow bellied marmots are cousins to the big whistling marmots that gave Canada's most famous ski field it's name. You're almost guaranteed to find one if you look in the summer.
MARTEN
These cute little critters are one of the mustelidae family, the same family as weasels and wolverines. They can be inquisitive of you, but like all mustelids they are as tough as they get!
SQUIRREL
Common across the continent, you'll see these little guys running from tree to tree looking for lost nuts.
CHIPMUNK
Found at higher altitudes, like our area. These little guys are very friendly and will often approach you to see if you want to share your lunch, while you taking a rest out on the trail.
BALD EAGLES
A serious bird of prey. You'll be able to see them swoop down and fish from the lake!
OSPREY
Ospreys are members of the hawk family and are also very proficient fishermen!
WHISKEY JACKS
These friendly birds are often found where people camp. They have associated us with an easy food source and will come right to your hand.
GROUSE
These ditch chickens are not exactly the Albert Einsteins of the animal kingdom. They will sometimes just stay put as you approach within feet of them. Which makes them a good choice for beginner or young hunters.
DUCKS
BC has many species of ducks. Surrey lake provides a home to them throughout the year.
CANADIAN GEESE
These migratory birds stop by on their travels. They like lakes with grassy edges, so you'll see them around.
