Wild llife

The City of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue is blessed with several green spaces where wild animals can live in peace. Among these are the Anse-à-l'Orme Nature Park, the Morgan Arboretum and the Bois-de-la-Roche Agricultural Park (Senneville), all three open to the public.

Major Natural Habitats

Anse-à-l'Orme Nature Park

The Anse-à-l'Orme Nature Park is a linear park of 233 hectares is partially landscaped. It is a territory that is home to wet meadows, marshes, old abandoned farmland, forests and Rivière-à-l'Orme. Hundreds of species of birds and animals live there, some of which are endangered and rare. The centennial forest has been designated exceptional forest ecosystem (EFE) by the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife.

Morgan Arboretum

The Morgan Arboretum, a 245-ha preserve of woods and fields owned by McGill University, provides a perfect home for many species. From short-tailed shrews to white-tailed deer, Arboretum experts estimate that 29 species of mammals, 15 species of reptiles and amphibians, and just over 200 species of birds are found on the territory (including many breed there), making it one of the most diverse regions on the island of Montreal.

Macdonald Campus naturalists make available to the public a variety of documents related to the Arboretum flora and fauna:

• List of reptiles and amphibians of the Morgan Arboretum
• List of mammals of the Morgan Arboretum
• The birds you might see at the Morgan Arboretum
• A Guide to Birding in the Morgan Arboretum
• Regular eBulletin
• Biannual Newsletter

Bois-de-la-Roche Agriculture Park

The agricultural park of Bois-de-la-Roche is a rural domain representative of the farms of the west of the island of the beginning of the century. With an area of 191 hectares - the area of Mount Royal - most of the park has an agricultural vocation and the other part remained in the natural state.

Do Not Feed Wild Animals

Feeding a wild animal can be perceived as a generous gesture, but it is important to refrain from it, both for the welfare of the animal and ours.

A health and safety issue

The majority of wild animals are healthy, but some of them may carry infectious diseases such as rabies, likely to be transmitted to humans. It is not enough to try to distinguish the sick animal from others, because - contrary to what one might think - a sick animal is not always aggressive and may seem rather amorphous and docile. In any case, an unexpected reaction of the wild animal is always possible, whether it is sick or not; we must remain vigilant and keep our distance.

Moreover, food consumed by humans is not necessarily appropriate for wildlife. Our foods often have little nutritional value for animals and can even be harmful to their health. Bread and treats, for example, can cause serious obesity problems and interfere with their activities, including bird migration in the fall.

To avoid changing the behavior of wildlife

Feeding wild animals has the effect of reducing their autonomy; they can become dependant on this artificial source of food and passive in the face of foraging in the wild.

In addition, diminishing wildlife's natural fear of humans can lead to many other conflicting situations, such as increased movement across roads, increasing the risk of collisions with a vehicle.

Promote healthy contact on both sides

Despite all the good intentions, feeding wild animals is far more harmful than good. To support the fauna and facilitate its observation, the development in one's yard of a small garden favorable to the biodiversity or the installation of a bird feeder during the winter period (when the fruits of the trees are no longer available) are more appropriate avenues.

In general, when it comes to observing wildlife, the basic rules must be kept: keep a healthy distance and avoid behaviors likely to influence the regular activities of the animal in its natural environment. In conclusion, if you enjoy wild animals, do not feed them and let them continue their activities... naturally!

Legal framework

According to municipal by-law number 770 on nuisances and safety, it is forbidden to capture, feed or pose any act intended to provide shelter to a wild mammal on the territory of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.

The City of Montreal also has a regulation to this effect: the feeding wildlife is prohibited under the By-law concerning the use and preservation of regional parks of Montréal (09-029). Offenders are liable to a fine of up to $4,000.

Presence of coyotes on the territory

The coyote has expanded in recent years and has been reported in new areas including the Anse-à-l'Orme Nature Park and the Bois-de-la-Roche Agricultural Park. We would like to inform you about the measures to be taken to promote coexistence with this animal that adapted life in an urban environment.

Important

Report the presence of coyotes in your area by calling the Info-coyotes line, 438-872-COYO (2696), or by completing the online form available on Ville de Montréal's website. This information is essential for planning appropriate interventions to ensure a harmonious coexistence..

Characteristics

• The coyote is an animal that has very well adapted to the urban environment even if, at the base, he fears the human
• The coyote is active especially at night
• The coyote remains a wild animal and it can be dangerous to try to approach it
• The coyote feeds mainly on small rodents

In urban areas, coyotes mainly frequent green spaces (parks, golf courses, wastelands, power lines and rail corridors)
The coyote can transmit certain diseases to humans, such as rabies.

General precautions

• Do not approach or feed the coyotes. Feeding wild animals is prohibited (By-law 770) and offenders are liable to fines of up to $ 4,000
• Accustom children never to approach a coyote or any other wild animal
• Do not feed animals (even cats or dogs) outdoors
• Be sure to keep your garbage out of the reach of animals. Respect the time of garbage deposit along the street
• Collect fallen fruit from trees as an attractive food source for wild animals, including coyotes

Pet safety

• Keep dogs on a leash in the parks and only use the trails as required by municipal bylaws
• Keep cats indoors, especially at night

What to do if you cross a coyote?

• Keep calm
• Give the animal space to escape

If the coyote does not leave or if it has an aggressive response:

• Give yourself an imposing air by raising your arms
• Make noise or scream to scare
• You can also throw objects in its direction, but without aiming it directly to make it more aggressive
• Move away by slowly backing up and keeping eye contact with the animal. Avoid turning your back on him. Do not run.

For more information: www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/coyote