Mammals

The official list of Ontario mammals as determined by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR, Oct. 1997) stands at 87 species. Of these, only 32 species have been documented in the vicinity of McLaughlin Bay. This does not include Nutria, an escapee, as they are not native to the region.

Certainly in an era 250 years ago when the entire area was solid forest, the numbers and variety of species would have been different than today. However, while certain species were undoubtedly lost due to the clearing of the original forest, other species preferring open meadow habitat and clearings would have moved in. While this trading of species due to habitat alterations may have evened out in terms of overall numbers, it was the gradual fragmentation of habitat and loss of habitat links and corridors that has reduced the diversity of species to current numbers. Studies are currently underway in both the Second Marsh Wildlife Area and the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve to more accurately document the occurrences of certain species.

While small rodents make up the greatest numbers, species such as Coyote and White-tailed Deer are frequently encountered.

Preliminary List