A bear and a cougar were reportedly seen on the First Concession in Elgin last week.
The secretary of this small municipality in the Haut-Saint-Laurent confirmed having received two separate calls to report the presence of these animals. She then informed the MRC who relayed the information to all of its members.
At the office of the Ministère des forêts, de la faune et des parcs, lieutenant Thibaudeau confirmed having received a call reporting the presence of a bear. “It’s rare and it’s possibly a displaced animal,” he said. “It’s possible it’s alone. These animals can cross the border from the States.”
Thibaudeau went on to say that it is important to remove all sources of food and odours so as not to attract the bear to your house. “That includes dog and cat food that might be left on the veranda and food at a bird feeder,” he warned. “Odours include garbage. It is advised to store garbage cans in the shed or garage for a few days.”
No visuals of the cougar
Even though a call was made to the Municipality of Elgin regarding a cougar, no photograph or video can prove beyond doubt its presence in the area. “The photographs that were taken could be of a lynx or a bobcat,” indicated Thibaudeau. “If anyone sees a cougar, it is important to report it to us.”
Traces of a cougar could include a footprint, fur caught in a fence or tree and scratch marks on a post. It is important not to damage these tracks before officers from the Ministry arrive who will gather the evidence.
If you have seen these animals in your area, it is important to report it to the Ministère des forêts, de la faune et des parcs, SOS Braconnage at 1 800-463-2191 or the local Valleyfield office at 450 370-3024.
Translated by Cathleen Johnston
