6 Poisonous Animals That You Could Actually Find In Canada
This country is known for having iconic creatures that can be dangerous if confronted. These include moose, bears, wolves, and the surprisingly aggressive and mean-spirited Canada goose.
However, there are smaller critters that can pose just as big a threat as some the larger mammals you might see wandering the woods in the summer.
For example, Canada is home to plenty of different snake species, most of them completely harmless, but did you know that at least two types of rattlesnakes call the great white north home?
The same goes for spiders. While most of the ones you'll find in Canada are generally harmless (if not really scary looking), one of the most infamously venomous arachnids also lives here.
And just when you thought it was just the spiders and snakes that can cause problems for you, then there are the caterpillars. That's right, Canada has poisonous caterpillars.
Make sure you keep an eye out for any of these poisonous critters this summer.
Black Widows
These famously venomous spiders (just the females, though) can be found near the Canada-US border in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, according to Nature Conservancy Canada.
Their bites can cause severe pain at the site, along with muscle contractions. They can be especially dangerous to children and the elderly.
Massasauga Rattlesnake
This particular species of rattlesnake, identified by its broad dark and light colouring.
It is only found in Ontario, and generally will not attack unless it has no other option. Still, it wouldn't be a great experience.
Prairie Rattlesnake
This second breed of rattler generally only lives in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. Like the Massasauga, it will only bite as a last resort.
While it's not necessarily deadly, this snake's venom has caused temporary parlysis, according to a Calgary Herald article.
Murder Hornets
These newly introduced behemoths are not native to Canada, but have instead made their way north from the United States.
They have become a problem mostly for local bee populations, but their sting can be incredibly painful and their venom can be overwhelming to humans if stung multiple times.
Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar
While a caterpillar is not likely to attack you, some of them, including the hickory tussock, excrete venom when they are touched.
This can cause itchiness, pain, or a burning sensation. Some people can even have severe allergic reactions to them. They are mostly found in southern Ontario.
Io Moth Caterpillar
These types of caterpillars are very colourful and would make for a great photo, but you definitely want to avoid touching them.
Like the hickory tussock, these critters excrete poison through hairs on their body. While it's not deadly, it can be as painful as a bad bee sting. They are found in southern Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.