By Gordon Lambie
Last week the City of Sherbrooke issued a notice warning residents of the possibility that they could encounter coyotes in Mont Bellevue Parc.
“Coyotes in Mont Bellevue Parc, really?” the post on the city’s Facebook page read (in French) before adding, “It is very possible. These timid animals tend to show up wherever they can find a source of food.”
Asked for details about any recent encounters, the city deferred to Quebec’s ministry of the environment, climate change, wildlife and parks (MELCCFP).
A representative of the ministry told The Record that there is no evidence at this point an increase in the local coyote population.
“When there are multiple sightings in one sector, it can sometimes be the same individual,” wrote Catherine Geoffrion, coordinator of regional communications for the Ministry, adding, “there are also certain periods of the year when coyotes are more likely to be seen while looking for food.”
