Wild animals are just part of living in Canada. They’re everywhere. You probably don’t give it much thought, but some of these animals can pose a real threat to your home and personal property. Of course, it’s hard to blame these roadside creatures. It’s all instinct for them. Still, you need to protect yourself.
The Wolverine
You love seeing Hugh Jackman on the silver screen, but getting up close and personal with a wolverine isn’t exactly your idea of fun. These creatures are short and stout, but they have long curved claws that can do a lot of damage. Their well-developed neck and shoulder muscles are so strong that they can chew through frozen meat.
- WolverineTambako the Jaguar / Foter / CC BY-ND
They’re also infamously fierce scavengers. While it’s rare for humans to come in contact with them, it happens.
Massasauga Rattler
This rattler is Canada’s only poisonous snake. It’s primarily found in Ontario and can be identified by its large black or brown spots on its tan or grey body. Of course, you can also tell when you hear it rattling. The rattle is a distinctive sound that serves as a warning – stay away. One bite can kill you.
- Massasauga RattlerEric.Parker / Foter / CC BY-NC
Black Bear
The black bear can weigh in at over 600 pounds and is one of the strongest creatures you’re likely to encounter out in the wilderness. The sheer size and power of this bear is one of the reasons why these bears are responsible for at least 10 deaths in the past 10 years.
- Black Bearucumari / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
The Recluse Spider
Fiddleback spiders, also known as the Brown Recluse, is one of the most dangerous and venomous spiders in the world. Thankfully, it’s easy to recognise by the distinctive violin-shaped markings on its head.
- The Recluse SpiderOakleyOriginals / Foter / CC BY
They like to live in dry, undisturbed, places like baseboards, cellars, furnaces, and behind pictures. If you come into contact with one, try not to let it touch you. When bitten, these spiders can cause a rash, fever, nausea, and even death.
Elk
Elk are very common in Canada. In fact, it’s easy to underestimate these comrades – but they can be very dangerous. They’re one of the largest mammals in North America, weighing up to half a ton. It doesn’t help that they’re not afraid of humans either. In fact, Parks Canada warns that visitors not approach elk – ever. Males are especially territorial and aggressive in the late summer mating season.
- Elkucumari / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Moose
Moose seem like gentle enough creatures, but they’re easily one of the 10 most dangerous animals in Canada. Like the white-tailed deer, moose are particularly dangerous to motorists. If you don’t carry comprehensive auto insurance, moose are one very good reason to. Even if you drive an older vehicle, the coverage could help out with any medical bills you’re likely to incur from hitting one of these beasts.
- MooseAl_HikesAZ / Foter / CC BY-NC
The Grizzly Bear
There’s nothing more fearsome in Canada than the Grizzly Bear. They’re pretty much at the top of the food chain. They’re believed to be the most aggressive member of the bear family even though they typically avoid human contact. Most attacks happen because the bears are surprised by humans stumbling upon them, and a mother defending her cubs account for 70 per cent of the deaths caused by grizzly bears.
- The Grizzly BearEric Bégin / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
What To Do To Protect Yourself
For the most part, avoidance is the best strategy. Some animals, like moose and elk can do a lot of damage to your vehicle, so increasing coverage is probably a good idea if you frequently come into contact with these animals. Bears generally don’t approach humans, but spiders are more than happy to make their home in your bed or somewhere else you’d rather they not. An exterminator can take care of them, but having additional medical liability insurance will also go a long way to protect house guests.
Adam Becker is a retired salesman and admitted animal lover. He has collected over 10,000 photos of animals native to his surroundings. Visit the specialist BrokerLink site for information about insurance services.
