I’ve been taking daily walks within my very urban neighbourhood in Etobicoke, and it’s surprising how much wildlife exists here, amongst people, in large urban parks.
So far, I’ve seen rats, mice, skunks, raccoons, fox, coyotes, wild turkeys, gray & black squirrels, hares, deer and garter snakes. You would think that we lived in a jungle of some kind but these animals roam the parklands mostly during dawn and dusk.
I’m always impressed by how adaptable they are to coexist in the urban landscape and ingenious they have become to thrive alongside us.
2025 has brought the housing crisis in the GTA to a crescendo, despite house sales being at an all time low due to the recession. As we encroach further into wildlife areas every year, despite conservation initiatives, it is humbling to see these animals share their spaces with us, while most humans find them annoying. I hope we prioritize cohabitation over aggressive encroachment to ensure we can all coexist. All species have a right to our planet. Exterminating others for self propagation will only beget self extermination eventually.
Garter Snake in West Deane Park
