Full Breakdown
Montreal Man Battles Wildlife Charges Over Rescued Raccoon
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Louka Berman, a Montreal resident, found a seven-month-old raccoon he named Pepper injured at a construction site in May. After the animal’s mother was shot with a crossbow, Berman nursed Pepper back to health with the intention of releasing her. Video of the pair went viral, prompting Quebec’s Environment Ministry to accuse Berman of keeping the raccoon in his home. Authorities have issued an obstruction charge and a ticket for alleged possession, despite Berman’s claim that he hides Pepper in parks rather than his residence. In Quebec, a permit is required to possess a raccoon at home.
Background & Context
The crossbow shooting that left Pepper and her mother wounded underscores the hazards wildlife face in urban construction zones. Quebec’s wildlife regulations make private raccoon possession illegal without a permit, creating a legal gray area when an injured animal is temporarily cared for. The province also suffers a shortage of facilities capable of housing rescued wildlife; even the Montreal SPCA lacks the capacity to care for such animals long-term.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Someone shot her with a crossbow, and they shot her too. So they thought that they were both dead,” — Louka Berman
- “It’s unclear in this situation whether he is actually in possession of the raccoon or not — so it’s a bit of a blurry line,” — Sophie Gaillard
- “It sounds like a situation where this animal would need to be rehomed in a wildlife sanctuary,” — Sophie Gaillard
- “Every year, we experience this issue where we have animals that, unfortunately, we have to euthanize because we can’t find a facility to take them in,” — Sophie Gaillard
What’s Next
Berman intends to contest the charges in court while supporters have launched an online fundraiser in Pepper’s name to secure a sanctuary placement. The outcome will hinge on whether a suitable wildlife facility can be found before authorities intervene.