A small marsupial that appears to have fled illegal captivity has been spotted moving freely on Montreal’s South Shore during the past few days, authorities said on June 15.
Animal‑rights groups and the Quebec Environment Ministry have confirmed the animal’s presence and are working to locate it. Both parties stress that the creature’s escape highlights ongoing concerns about the illegal wildlife trade in the province.
Officials noted that the marsupial is not native to Quebec and would not survive long without human assistance, prompting swift action to capture it before it suffers harm or becomes a public safety issue.
The incident follows a series of investigations into illegal wildlife trafficking that have uncovered several cases of exotic animals being kept in private collections without permits. Those investigations have led to heightened surveillance of escaped or abandoned animals.
The Quebec Environment Ministry indicated that any individual found possessing or trading protected species could face penalties under provincial law. Animal‑rights advocates added that the escape underscores the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness about the consequences of wildlife smuggling.
Authorities have asked residents to report sightings of the marsupial to the ministry’s wildlife hotline, emphasizing that timely information can aid in a safe capture. The ministry plans to release an update once the animal is recovered.
The case serves as a reminder that illegal captivity can result in unintended releases, creating risks for both the animals involved and the local ecosystem. Monitoring efforts will continue as officials work to prevent similar incidents in the future.