National Capital Commission
Canada
When you take part in activities in the Park, you are in a protected natural wilderness environment that is home to numerous animal species. They include black bears, coyotes, wolves and on rare occasions even cougars. These species normally avoid humans. Attacks are therefore very rare, but caution is still advised. Here are some guidelines for safety in Gatineau Park:

Bear

IN THE FOREST

  • Make a noise in order to avoid surprising animals.
  • Keep children close to you at all times.
  • Avoid walking alone, especially at dusk and dawn.
  • Avoid attracting wild animals with food odours.
    • Especially, do not feed them and do not leave garbage or food within their reach.
  • Keep your dog on a leash.
  • Keep your distance: stay at least 100 metres away fromlarge animals.

Cougar

WHAT TO DO IN THE PRESENCE OF A BEAR, COYOTE, WOLF OR COUGAR
There is no ideal way to react in the presence of a wild animal, as each encounter is unique. However, the following guidelines may help:

  • Make your presence known by making a noise or speaking in a calm voice.
  • Back away slowly, and do not turn your back to the animal.
  • Do not play dead, and do not run away.
  • If you are with young children, take them in your arms.
  • Try to appear larger than you actually are, for example, by raising your arms, or by gathering together in a group, if there are several persons.
  • In case of an attack, you must be aggressive and counterattack.

Coyote

CAMPING

  • Store coolers and all food in your vehicle, or hang food from a tree at a minimum of three metres from the ground and one metre from the tree trunk.
  • Do not leave garbage or food scraps near the campsite.
    • Instead, dispose of them in the waste containers provided for this purpose.
  • Do not eat inside a tent and do not keep food or cosmetic products in a tent.
  • Clean your dishes promptly after eating, and properly dispose of the waste water.

REPORT SIGHTINGS

  • Report any sighting of bears, wolves, coyote or cougars in the Park by contacting the Visitor Centre at 819-827-2020 or 613-239-5090 (TTY).
  • Contact the NCC emergency line if you observe an animal behaving in a way that could put Park users at risk.Call 613-239-5353.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE SPECIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Ministère des ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec
1-866-248-6936 • www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca

Canadian Wildlife Service
1-800-668-6767 • www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca

 
 Modified: Thursday May 21, 2009
Important Notices and Disclaimers