Cougar or lynx : predators in Haut-Saint-Laurent

The Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks confirms that two lynx attacked a cow on Thursday, July 2 in the municipality of Franklin. Although it is fairly rare, this aggression relaunched the debate because certain people believe that the attacker could be a cougar.

Jacques Nadeau, the ministry's press relations officer, explains that some wildlife agents have been dispatched to the scene and that they noticed some traces and excrements of lynx. « The day after the attack, the son of the owner said he had seen two lynx near the spot where the aggression took place, » Nadeau explained. « It is therefore without a doubt that it's not a cougar but indeed two lynx who did this. We must not confuse lynx and cougars. »

To know more, we met with the veterinarian who went to the scene of the attack, Dr. Sonia Lachapelle. The woman confirms having seen the injured beast, but was not able to confirm what type of predator he is.

« I was at the site to observe the injured animal. However, I don't know the technique used by the agents, but when I was there, nobody was able to say if it was an attack by a cougar or a lynx, » Dr. Lachapelle attested.

For a few years, the debate on the presence of cougars in Haut-Saint-Laurent has attracted attention. While several citizens affirm having witnessed the presence of cougars, Nadeau emphasizes that there is no tangible proof of the presence of this predator in the region.

Moreover, another representative from the ministry confirms that for several years, traps have been installed in order to confirm the presence of cougars in the sector, but all hopes were in vain.

The minister is taking advantage of the occasion to invite the population to remain alert in connection with wild animals. « If people see non-domestic animals, we invite them to communicate immediately via the « Info-Poaching (Braconnage) » phone line by dialling 1-800-463-191, » Nadeau lets it be known.