Perth Wildlife Reserve — Attraction in Drummond-North Elmsley

Easy trails, beautiful scenery, the perfect place to get a little exercise.

Also note, no dogs as this is a wildlife reserve area.

The evidence that dogs negatively impact wildlife is overwhelming. It is clear that people with dogs – on leash or off – are much more detrimental to wildlife than people without dogs. Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are considered to be a subspecies of wolves (Canis lupus), and wildlife perceive dogs as predators. Impacts include:

Physical and temporal displacement – The presence of dogs causes wildlife to move away, temporarily or permanently reducing the amount of available habitat in which to feed, breed and rest. Animals become less active during the day to avoid dog interactions. Furthermore, the scent of dogs repels wildlife and the effects remain after the dogs are gone.

Disturbance and stress response – Animals are alarmed and cease their routine activities. This increases the amount of energy they use, while simultaneously reducing their opportunities to feed. Repeated stress causes long-term impacts on wildlife including reduced reproduction and growth, suppressed immune system and increased vulnerability to disease and parasites.

Indirect and direct mortality – Dogs transmit diseases (such as canine distemper and rabies) to and from wildlife. Loose dogs kill wildlife.

Human disease and water quality impacts – Dog waste pollutes water and transmits harmful parasites and...

A very nice walking trail with tons of wildlife. We saw more than 20 frogs of various types, a few small snakes, deer prints in the mud, and heard some catbirds and saw countless other birds. Lots of mosses and flowers and butterflies. The Southern half of the trail loop is mostly grass and more open while the Northern half is more wooded with some rocks and roots. The Tay River lookout is on the far end of the loop. Not a difficult hike; we took our time and read the signs and it took 1 hour and 20 mins in total. Some mosquitos and flies at a few parts, but not an unbearable about. $8 for the day pass. The service road to the boat launch is not open...

Gorgeous trail, super quiet and a lovely lookout on the Tay Marsh about halfway through. Not super long either, probably between 20 and 30 minutes depending how quick a walker you are. There are a bunch of info graphics along the trail telling about local endangered wildlife. Lots of wildlife to be seen. My fiance even ran into a black bear cub once, all is well but would recommend a bear bell anyways especially if you go at a quiet time. Love this trail, we...