Wildlife at the Park

Assiniboine Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including waterfowl like ducks and geese, songbirds, deer, squirrels, rabbits, and more! We encourage visitors to enjoy watching wildlife from a safe distance.

Do Not Feed the Wildlife

Although well-intended, feeding wildlife can actually endanger their health and survival. Under the Manitoba Wildlife Act, any attempt to feed or lure wildlife that creates or may create a risk to their health and safety, the safety of people, or result in property damage is prohibited. Violators can be ordered to stop and may face additional enforcement action including charges and possible fines.

Feeding wildlife can lead to problems related to:

Overpopulation

Populations of wildlife found in the Park are currently health and supplemental feeding may increase them over and above what the environment could naturally support. 

  • This presents a problem because more food is needed to sustain the larger population and if the food is removed starvation can occur. It is better to have naturally feeding smaller populations that are more stable over time. 
  • When populations are high and animals are concentrated it is the perfect setting for the spread of diseases. Higher density facilitates the transmission of diseases from one animals to another. When concentrated in a small area, animal waste and excess food waste can build up. This material can harbour disease longer than in natural areas where densities are lower.
  • Overgrazing and trampling of vegetation can occur with high concentrations of animals. This may reduce habitat for other species and reduce opportunities for visitors to enjoy the grounds.

Behavioural Changes

Feeding animals trains them to associate humans with easy food. This is dangerous for both the animals and for Park visitors. 

  • When animals become conditioned to associate food with humans they can become aggressive and scare or harm visitors. They may also move to dangerous areas like roadways and can be injured or killed. 
  • When waterfowl and other animals are fed, they are less likely to migrate at all or at the right time of year. This can lead to resident populations of animals that would normally migrate.

Public Health

Fecal matter from waterfowl can contaminate water for that it presents a health risk to people and pets.

  • The natural process in water bodies can break down only a certain amount of fecal matter from waterfowl. As the population rises, the water can become contaminated with too many nutrients leading to algae blooms and fish die-offs.
  • Public recreation opportunities are reduced when lawns and pathways are contaminated with fecal matter. Fecal matter on Park paths reduces the friction coefficient and can lead to slips and falls.

Coexisting with Coyotes

The Park is home to deer, red foxes, squirrels, rabbits, and other prey species that attract coyotes. While they are typically most active between dusk and dawn and naturally wary, coyotes can be unpredictable if they become too comfortable with people.

KEEP THEM AT A DISTANCE. NEVER FEED COYOTES OR OTHER WILDLIFE.

If you encounter a coyote:

  • Do not run or turn your back.
  • Pick up small children or pets and back away slowly.
  • Seek shelter in secure building or vehicle.
  • If approached, act big, wave your arms, make loud noises, and throw rocks or other objects.

For more information about coexisting with wildife, please see:
City of Winnipeg | Province of Manitoba

Please report sightings to Park Security at (204) 927-8000.

Avian Influenza

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy is monitoring the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Canada, including Manitoba. This is a serious viral infection that could affect wild birds at the Park and those in our care at the Zoo.

At Assiniboine Park - Do not feed birds or other wildlife. This can encourage large gatherings, which may increase the risk of spreading avian influenza in the wild population.

At Assiniboine Park Zoo - To prevent exposure to wild birds, some of the birds in our care will be kept indoors or moved to more protected habitats.

For more information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) | Manitoba Public Health – Avian Influenza

Mallard duck swimming on a pond

Red squirrel sitting on stump

White tail deer walks through trees in the winter

Assiniboine Park
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