Marsupial on the loose on Montreal's South Shore

A small marsupial — likely a red kangaroo or wallaby — has been hopping around Boucherville for the last few days after escaping from illegal captivity, say Quebec's Environment Department and animal rights advocates.

People posted videos of the animal on social media Friday. The provincial Environment Department believes it's a red kangaroo but will only confirm the species after capture.

The escape has exposed a serious problem: Quebec's booming black market in exotic animals. A quick online search reveals dozens of listings for illegal wildlife sales, including declawed wildcats, monkeys priced at $9,000, and kangaroos at $6,000, says Chamie Angie Cadorette with Galahad SPCA.

"It's a very lucrative trade, the illegal sale of exotic animals," Cadorette said.

The stable where the marsupial was held lacked the required provincial permits for keeping exotic animals. Following a Wednesday report from a concerned citizen, the anti-poaching agency investigated and confirmed the animal was kept illegally in unsuitable conditions.

Galahad SPCA and local rescue organizations are ready to capture the animal and bring it to a nearby sanctuary, but the Environment Department has not authorized the capture yet. Cadorette worries the animal could be struck by a highway vehicle and cannot survive the Quebec winter.

Daniel Labonté, a spokesperson for the Environmental Department, says the animal poses no public risk but people should stay away to ensure its safety. The department is assessing the safest way to capture it. Quebec regulations prohibit anyone without a licence from capturing the animal.