Beaver
60% of youAbout as long as a 10-year-old's arm span
Photo: Karrackoo (CC BY-SA 3.0)
4 featured species · 3 habitat zones
Animals of Canada
Canada is a huge country full of amazing animals. You might see playful beavers building dams in the rivers or cute squirrels gathering nuts in the park. In the cold north, polar bears roam the icy lands, while caribou wander the snowy tundra. Canada’s animals are as diverse as the lands they live in!
Featured Species
Habitat Zones
Forests
Forests in Canada are full of tall green trees and lots of plants. They are beautiful, especially in the fall when the leaves turn red and orange. These forests are home to impressive animals.
Moose, Black Bear
Tundra
The tundra is like a big, cold, treeless land found in Canada's far north. You can see wildflowers bloom for a short summer, and special animals stay here all year round.
Polar Bear, Arctic Fox, Snowy Owl
Coasts
Canada's coasts are where the land meets the ocean, with sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. Many sea animals and birds live here or stop by.
Sea Otter, Harbor Seal, Humpback Whale
How Big Are They?
Each animal shown next to a 10-year-old (🧒) at true scale.
Moose
1.5× youMoose
As tall as two 10-year-olds stacked on top of each other
Polar Bear
1.8× youBear
As heavy as five 10-year-olds put together
Canada Goose
65% of youGoose
As tall as a 10-year-old's shoulder
Where to Spot Them
Beaver
Look in: Found across Canada in lakes and rivers
Watch for: Beavers build lodges for shelter using sticks and mud.
Moose
Look in: Commonly found in Canadian forests, mostly in the national parks
Watch for: Moose are usually alone and sometimes very curious about their surroundings.
Polar Bear
Look in: In the Arctic regions of Canada, often near Hudson Bay
Watch for: Polar Bears wait by holes in the ice to catch seals, their main food.
Canada Goose
Look in: Throughout Canada, especially in parks and near water
Watch for: They fly in a V-shaped flock and honk loudly while flying.
Cultural Connection
The beaver is important in Canada's history, symbolizing the story of the fur trade, which shaped the country's growth. You can find the beaver on the Canadian nickel.
Vocabulary
How is Canadian wildlife different from the wildlife you see near your home?