Black coat with broad white stripes and a fluffy tail.
How to recognize it
Black coat with broad white stripes and a fluffy tail.
Where you may find it in Ontario
Lawns, gardens and wooded edges. Local occurrence depends on habitat, region and season.
Food and ecological role
Insects, grubs, small animals and plants. Every species is part of a larger food web involving plants, insects, birds and mammals.
When to look
Year-round; activity drops in cold weather.
Make your backyard more welcoming
Give space, secure attractants and avoid cornering wildlife.
Identification and safety
Use several features, not a single colour or silhouette, to confirm identification. Observe wildlife from a respectful distance; do not handle or feed wild animals. For species-specific photographs and further details, see the reference below.
Further reading: Species identification / reference. Also see Ontario backyard resources.