Eastern Wood Tick

You're right Ashish, it does look like a female dog tick. Again, different common name for maybe the same tick. I'm not sure of the species but the dog tick is a species of Dermacentor, as I have mine identified as.

No, its a tick for sure. Unfortunately, I have lots of experience with them.

Thanks for the info Nick. I've always heard about this way to remove them but it's easier said than done! Thankfully most of the bites I've received from ticks in Canada have been very minor. They weren't latched on to me for too long before I noticed them.

Latimeria, I just looked through the Audobon guide to North American insects and found one that looked like it in there. Even they didn't give the species. I guess you have to start with if it's a hard body tick or soft body. Male and females look different too. I think you should get a real macro shot of it to the color the best and any identifying characteristics like spots on the legs or color on the head. A small shield near its head is also an identiflying characteristic. This one in my spotting is a female. I hope this helps, I'm not great at ID'ing ticks by any means.