Enjoy!

Here we have a collection of various creatures of Pike Bay. Some large, some tiny, all are part of our tender eco-system. Enjoy them from a distance and keep their home pristine!


Photo by Meg Smith

Chipmunk
Tamias striatus
This interesting little inhabitant of Canada’s eastern forests and fence rows is a favourite of young and old alike. Cottagers and campers have found that, if unmolested, it soon becomes bold enough to accept food held out to it, much of which is hoarded for the future. Chipmunks construct extensive burrow systems, often more than 3.5 m in length and with one or more well-concealed entrances. In addition to the main chamber, blind storage tunnels are constructed to accommodate the winter food supply. The sleeping quarters are kept scrupulously clean -- shells, husks, and faeces are stuffed away into refuse tunnels. Chipmunks eat a wide variety of seed, fruit, and nuts. They are also fond of corn and sunflower seeds. In the autumn they may store as much as seven litres of food for winter use. The scientific name, Tamias, means ‘steward’ in Latin. Preyed upon by hawks, foxes, and weasels, they may also fall victim to domestic cats.


Black Bears
Ursus Americanus


There has been LOTS of bear activity in the area in the past few years, mainly because they fenced off the Eastnor township dump. Many folks I know have had close encounters and I thought it prudent to include some bear safety tips on the site. From the Ministry of Natural Resources website:

"Every encounter with a black bear is unique. The following information is what experts recommend you do. There is no guarantee that what works in one instance
will work in another.

Black Bear safety basics:

If you spot a black bear:

  • Stay calm. Often the bear is simply passing through
  • Do not run away. Walk towards a building or vehicle and get inside If you have children and pets, bring them inside too Once indoors, observe the bear. Did it move on or did it stay on your property? If the bear stayed, what was it doing or eating?
  • Encourage the bear to leave. Bang pots and pans, or blow an air horn or whistle. The more stressful a bear’s encounter with you, the less likely it is to come back
  • If the bear got food (like garbage or bird food), or if the bear tried to get food, you will need to remove or control the item that attracted the bear
  • Once the bear leaves, remove the attractant and assess your property for other possible attractants like garbage; dirty barbecue; bird or pet food or fruit or berries from your trees or bushes
  • It is possible for a bear to return even though you removed the attractant. Bears do return to places where they have found food. Once the bear does not get food, it will move on
  • If you have done everything you can to remove attractants, and the bear persists, call 1-866-514-2327
  • If a bear is damaging your property, breaking into your home or threatening your personal safety or that of others, call 911 or your local police
  • Alert your neighbours about bear activity, and work together to keep your neighbourhood free from items that attract bears Work with your municipality to solve problems before they happen
  • If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Remove people and dogs from the area. The bear will usually come down and leave when it feels safe NOTE: If you have shot a bear in defense of your property, you are required by law to immediately report it to your local Ministry of Natural Resources office either in person or by telephone. This requirement applies whether you intend to keep the bear or not. Failure to do so is a violation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act."

    Please visit the MNR website for much more information on Black Bears and other critters in our area.

    © Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2008

    Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
    Sistrurus catenatus

    Photo by Thom Speechley
    This is "Snavely",an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, that my father captured in 1969. I seem to recall a big stick with a bootlace for a noose and an empty charcoal bag. I still remember riding the rest of the way home with it in the trunk, and my imagination in overdrive, just knowing it was getting out of the bag and crawling up through the back seat! When we got back to the Point, they built a sturdy cage for Snavely and, much to we childrens delight, a live frog was placed inside. Snavely now resides at The University of Western Ontario, in his own jar of formaldehyde.
    Red Squirrel
    Tamiasciurus hudsonicus

    Photo by T.W.Speechley

    Black Widow Spider
    Latrodectus variolus

    Thom also brought home one of these little beauties, complete with egg sac. A word to the wise. If YOU find one with an egg sac, dont put it in a jar with holes in the lid! When the eggs hatch, the wee ones are very tiny and quite handy at making webs and escaping! Fortunatly, they succumb to Raid®TM
    Racoons
    Procyon lotor

    Photo by Meg Smith

    Leopard Frogs

    Photo by Meg Smith

    Mink
    Mustela vison

    Photo by Meg Smith

    Here are some other critters we have in Pike Bay. I haven't got pictures for them all... yet!
    Garter snake
    Salamander and Newt
    Flying Squirrel
    Osprey
    Red Fox
    Little Brown Bat
    Hawks
    Ducks
    Geese
    Weasel
    Muskrat
    Skunk
    Porcupine
    White Tailed Deer
    Bear
    Mice
    Moles
    Rabbit
    Turtle
    Assorted song birds and...
    Insects!Lots and lots of insects..

    © pikebay.ca

    Created by Megwebsmith 2006

    14-02-2006

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