The Lake Ontario shoreline
is a beautiful and diverse place, shared
by humans and wildlife.
With 712 miles of shoreline, plenty of room exists for both humans and
wildlife to fulfill their needs, but
sometimes the wildlife needs are forgotten.
The majority of the land surrounding
the lake is forested and home to more
than 3,500 species of plants and animals.
In addition to forested
shoreline, more than 44,000 acres of
wetlands line the shoreline and are home
to 17 rare species of plants and 90 species
of fish. Providing habitat for these species is
important to the protection of the biodiversity
of the shoreline.
The shoreline is one of the most
biologically diverse natural communities because it is where the land and water meet.
The many shoreline habitats provide wildlife with food, den and burrow
sites, nursery areas, flyways and travel
corridors, perching and sunning sites
and protection from weather and predators.
Ideally, natural habitats along the Lake
Ontario shoreline should be protected
for wildlife use and many areas are, as municipal parks, state-owned land or privately owned sanctuaries.
However, 42% of the Lake
Ontario shoreline consists of residential
use. This means you - the shoreline owner - are an important part of providing the
habitat needed for a diverse and healthy
Lake Ontario wildlife population.
How do animals use the shoreline?
Click on the buttons below to find out.
