10+ Common and Rare Animals to Meet in Canada

Chapter 5 of 5

And what’s the difference between…

What’s the difference between a moose, a caribou and an elk? 

Moose, caribou and elk are most often associated with Canada. Can you tell them apart?

Moose tend to be solitary animals, while caribou and elk travel in herds.

Moose have flat, wide antlers and a bulky face. Males can weigh around 700 kilos. You can spot moose pretty much anywhere in Canada except on Vancouver Island and in the Arctic regions. Newfoundland has the largest moose population.

Caribou have tall, curved antlers and a white coat on their necks. Their fur is lighter there than on the rest of their body. They live in the boreal forest and you can spot them in most provinces and territories, except for Nunavut, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Elk have tall, sharp antlers and dark, shaggy necks. Half of the population lives in British Columbia, mostly in the Kootenays and in the Peace-Omineca Region, but with a small population on Vancouver Island.

What’s the difference between a groundhog and a gopher?

Gopher on the left, groundhog to the right.

Both gophers and groundhogs can be found throughout Canada. 

Gophers are smaller and their teeth protrude from the mouth. Groundhogs typically weigh 2-7 kilos and their teeth are not visible unless their mouth is open. 

Okay, this is a tough one! It would be easier to ask them directly…!

What’s the difference between a grizzly and a black bear?

Grizzly on the left, black bear on the right.

Parks Canada explains it best, with pictures. 

Grizzlies are generally bigger with a noticeable hump due to their prominent muscle mass over their shoulders. Black bears have a smaller head with an elongated snout. 

What’s the difference between a coyote and a wolf?

Coyote on the left, wolf on the right.

Coyotes are shorter, sleeker and arguably faster on their feet. They also have a pointed snout.

Wolves have bushier and shorter tails and larger snouts. This is true for the grey wolf, the most common species in Canada—it’s easy to tell a coyote from an Arctic wolf as the latter one has white fur!