No need to travel to the other side of the planet to be amazed by the wildlife…
See where you can see these ten stunning specimens.
North American Opossum
Credit: Pexels
More accustomed to warm temperatures, the North American opossum has gradually proliferated even in our province. The only marsupial living in Quebec and Canada, it can mainly be observed in Montérégie. But some opossums have also been seen in Mauricie.
White shark
Credit: Pexels
This shark, which we associated with a warmer climate, is increasingly present in Quebec. Some of them lounge in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, between the Côte-Nord and Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions. A team of Quebec researchers had the chance to see them feeding off Brion Island in 20221.
Bald Eagle
No longer present for two decades, the bald eagle2 – this emblematic eagle of our American neighbors – is still impressive to observe. This species is found in almost all regions of Quebec. This raptor tends to make its nest in large trees near a body of water.
Pekan
Often confused with another member of the mustelid family, that is to say the wolverine, the fisher is however smaller. Its fur is brown and black in color and it usually sports a white patch on its chest. It is found almost in all regions of southern Quebec.
Puffin
By their appearance, one might believe that they are birds living in a warm climate. But make no mistake: puffins love subarctic regions. You can observe several of them in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. With their colorful beaks, they are easy to identify.
Star-nosed condylure
From the Talpidae family, this small mole resides mainly in the southern part of Quebec, with the exception of Anticosti Island and the Magdalen Islands. If its small size can make it difficult to discern in its habitat, its atypical nose will certainly catch your eye! Indeed, the condylure has a nose with 22 tentacles, which gives it this starry appearance.
Musk ox
To see this animal, you have to go to the borders of the province. In fact, we find muskox in Nunavik. Fifteen of these specimens were brought to Kuujjuaq in 1967. Almost 60 years later, their population is around 7,0003.
Little flying squirrel
Also called flying squirrel, the flying squirrel is a mammal that can be observed in the Outaouais and Montreal regions. However, contrary to what its second nickname suggests, the little flying squirrel does not fly. It can glide from one tree to another thanks to its muscular membrane located between its legs.
turkey vulture
Resembling a strange vulture, the turkey vulture is also a scavenger. The latter can be observed in the forests and countryside of the regions located in the south of the province, as well as in Saguenay and Gaspésie. As the vulture appreciates carcasses, you are also likely to see it along the side of the highway.
Beluga
Although it has long been known that Quebec is home to these marine mammals, it is still fascinating to see them. Living among other places in the St. Lawrence estuary, you can meet them aboard thematic cruises departing from the North Shore, Charlevoix, Bas-Saint-Laurent or the Gaspé Peninsula, or even the admire from terrestrial observation points located in these regions.
