Canoeing and hiking are the only way to get in contact with the natural sights and sounds of the Eels Lake region. With so much pristine wilderness (most is crown land) around Eels Lake, there are a lot of opportunities for wildlife viewing. In the last few years, it seems that the number of deer and moose seen around the lake has dramatically increased. We are also very excited about Elk being reintroduced to this area. There have already been several Elk sightings around our lake. There are also a number of animals that you can see right from the deck of your cottage. The raccoons and chipmunks will take food right out of your hands. A fox may saunter past your door early in the morning, or you might hear wolves in the distance howling at the moon.
There are also quite a variety of birds in the area. If there is a feeder at your cottage you may see woodpeckers, blue jays, chickadees, grosbeaks and many others. The chickadees are so tame that they will eat right out of the palm of your hand.
If you like to canoe, you may see a great blue heron, stalking frogs in a back bay, or come across an osprey nest, built atop a standing dead tree (snag). Hawks, ravens, and vultures can been seen spiraling on the thermal updrafts in the skies, far above the lake. You may even see a bald eagle! Other than fish, there are a number of other aquatic animals that kids seem to be fascinated with. Animals like turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders and many other kinds of creepy crawlies.
The many kinds of plants in the area are too numerous to describe in great detail. However, just going for a short walk down a cottage road, can take you past some giant white pines, the last few remnants of the original white pine forests. In the spring, you can find wild leeks growing among pure maple stands, along with the trout lilies and the trilliums. In the summer you can gorge yourself on wild blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. Late summer is the best time to see the thousands of wildflowers in bloom, however almost any time of year will provide an opportunity to see wild plants.
The Eastern Hognose snake (left) is harmless..... (left) Megan with Bullfrog (right)wild leeks in spring (below)bluejays at feeder