McMaster University recognizes that the University and surrounding Hamilton area, including their nature spaces, are situated on traditional territories shared between the Haudenosaunee confederacy and Anishnaabe nations. These lands are protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum belt. The wampum uses the symbolism of a dish to represent the territory, and one spoon to represent that the people are to share the resources of the land and only take what they need.
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Local Wildlife

Outdoor recreation in Hamilton offers ample opportunity to view local wildlife. Learn what walks, flies, crawls, swims and slithers in local natural areas.

At a Glance

Hamilton is within the Carolinian forest range which is a unique life zone that makes up only 1% of Canada’s total land area and hosts a greater number of wildlife species than any other ecosystem in the country.

Many people do not realize the amount of natural diversity living in Hamilton, which includes,

Native Plants

Over 1000 species of native plants!

Birds

171 species of breeding birds.

Snakes and Turtles

15 species of snakes and turtles.

Amphibians

17 species of frogs, toads, and salamanders.

Mammals

43 species of mammals

Butterflies and Moths

100 species of butterflies and moths

Odonates

98 species of dragonflies and damselflies

Fish

87 species of fish

Local Wildlife Information by Species