Over 52 species of mammals and 150 species of birds inhabit both the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and neighboring Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. Sitting at your campsite you may see a tiny shrew weighing a fraction of an ounce, or a huge bull moose weighing in at over 1,200 pounds.

Traveling and portaging as silently as possible will afford you the best possibility of seeing wildlife up close. If you hear a rustling or crashing in the woods, sit quietly and be patient. Moose, deer, and other mammals frequently lack good eyesight, but they have a keen sense of smell. Usually they will smell your presence; if you remain still they will move into the open, or right by you, after realizing that your smell is not a threat to them.

Red fox spotted along the bank

Going out on an early-morning or late-evening paddle will offer additional opportunities to view wildlife as they move to the water's edge to feed and drink.

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