SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE – Many residents in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue are concerned about illegal deer hunting in their area after poachers were spotted in a popular wooden area.
The town has has long been considered one of the nicest and safest parts of Montreal’s West Island and has attracted many families over the years.
Some residents even say the nearby wooded area that houses many deer is a plus.
“They’re really not afraid of the public anymore,” said resident Maria Price.
“They’re just roaming the streets.”
But a problem is developing because the wild animals are attracting hunters.
In recent months, witnesses have spotted illegal deer hunters in the L’Anse-à-l’Orme Eco-Park.
Some have even noticed traps on the ground.
“It’s gonna be scary for our kids,” said resident Heidy Badir.
The dangers are a little too close to home.
“There’s many children around the area,” said Melanie LePage.
“Especially on this side there’s an elementary school and a daycare.”
The poaching has also become a concern at Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue City Hall.
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“We as a city don’t want it either,” said Ryan Young, a City Councillor and the President of the Environment Committee.
He told Global News that a motion was tabled Monday to amend a by-law that will prevent any trapping activities in the woods in order to keep all hunters away.
“I think the possibility of a stray bullet injuring somebody is very real,” said Young.
“I don’t think hunting should be exist in such populated areas on this part of the island of Montreal.”
Montreal police have admitted that they are aware of the situation, but that is doing little to calm the residents down.
“I would not recommend going out there at night in the dark,” said Price.
LePage adds that she’s changed her habits, and made sure her kids understand that going for a short stroll in the woods is now out of the question.
“It’s not everybody who will walk around with safety jackets with colours,” she said.
“If there’s a child going through the woods and he doesn’t see the child, something bad could happen.”
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