A moose that got lost near Laval University in Quebec forced the intervention of authorities on Wednesday. Quebec police and wildlife officers are currently trying to locate the animal to ensure its safety and that of citizens.
Posted at 9:42
It was around 4:45 a.m., Wednesday morning, that a call was made to 911 by a citizen who had seen the said moose, on Grande Allée, near Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge. Nearly an hour later, other citizens testified that they had seen him on rue Myrand.
The animal would then have moved to the area of René-Lévesque Boulevard, very close to the quadrilateral of Laval University. Photos released by authorities and circulating online show the moose roaming freely on streets and on the grounds of private residences.
“Since 6:15 a.m., he has not been seen in the area. We think he is still in the wooded area of the University, “said in the morning the agent Marie-Pier Rivard, spokesperson for the Service de police de la Ville de Québec (SPVQ).
She said wildlife officers have been made aware of the situation. They are the ones who could proceed with the capture of the animal, if necessary, the police mainly playing a role of “public safety” in the circumstances.
Given its smaller size, the moose would be relatively young and not an adult, authorities believe for the moment. One thing is certain: he does not seem to have suffered any injuries, according to what some patrollers observed “close enough”.
The Quebec police say they are working to “limit the moose as much as possible” in its movements “in order to direct it to more appropriate places”. “We ask citizens, but especially motorists, to remain very vigilant when traveling in the area,” said Ms.me Rivard.