Wildlife Observations

Purpose

This page allows property owners and members of the public to easily report sightings of wildlife crossing Highway 17. The objective of this page is to collect, analyze and communicate information highlighting crossing locations of wildlife along the highway based on local knowledge and observations.

Transportation routes such as Highway 17 may limit wildlife movement; reduce useable habitat; or cause wildlife mortality due to collision with vehicles. The more we know about movement patterns, the better able we are to protect wildlife and motorists.

Local knowledge is an important source of information about wildlife within the study area. Many users of Highway 17 observe wildlife on the highway and have a rich understanding of wildlife movement patterns. This is an excellent opportunity to share this information.

Wildlife in the area may include white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, gray wolf, lynx, snowshoe hare, red fox, raccoon, and groundhog. There are numerous wetlands and watercourses that traverse the study area; as such, reptiles and amphibians are also expected to utilize the highway corridor, which may include provincially significant species such as snapping turtle, Blanding's turtle, eastern milksnake, and eastern hog-nosed snake.

The data collected will be used to assist the Project Team during the study to identify areas that may have a key role in wildlife movement patterns.

Wildlife Observations Reporting Form

The easiest way to let us know if you have seen an animal is to use the interactive mapping tool and the comment form. Here's how:

  1. Click on the map marking where you saw the wildlife along Highway 17.
  2. Fill in the information about the wildlife observation using the comment form.
  3. Attach photos, if available.
  4. Click on the Submit button.
The information you are asked to provide includes species observed, was the animal alive or dead, did it cross the road or was it adjacent to the road, number of individuals, date of observation and time of day, as well as your name and contact information.

Contact Information of Observer
Your Name:

Telephone Number (including area code):

Email:

Observations:

Name of species observed (if known):

Please provide identifying features you observed which confirm the species, if possible.

Attach Photo , if available.

Number Observed:

Nature of Observation (alive/dead/injured):

If observation was dead or injured, was it on the side of the road or within travel lanes?

If live crossing, please provide direction of movement (i.e., travelling from east to west)

Date of Observation:

Location of Observation:

Latitude:

Longitude:

Time of Observation:
  AM   PM

Other Comments:

Other Comments
For those who would rather not use the interactive map, we encourage you to make note of your observations and to contact either one of the following Project Team members:

Hannah Maciver, B.E.S.
Biologist
Ecoplans Limited
72 Victoria St. South
Suite 100
Kitchener, ON N2G 4Y9
Phone: (519) 741-8850
Toll-free: 1-866-741-8850
Fax: (519) 741-8884
e-mail: hmaciver@ecoplans.com		 Mr. Greg Moore, B.E.S.
Environmental Planner
Ecoplans Limited
2655 North Sheridan Way,
Suite 280
Mississauga, ON L5K 2P8
Phone: (905) 823-4988
Toll-free: 1-877-562-7947
Fax: (905) 823-2669
e-mail: gmoore@ecoplans.com
There is the opportunity at any time during the study for interested persons to contact us regarding project issues. Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.