Parks Canada is temporarily closing a section of Kouchibouguac National Park because too many visitors are feeding the animals, especially the red fox.
Officials say this has been an ongoing issue and there are associated safety risks to both humans and animals.
Park ecologist Daniel Gallant says the Loggiecroft Road area including the wharf will be off-limits to everyone until the end of March.
“By doing this we’re forcing a distance between humans, some of whom might be committing illegal acts of feeding wildlife, and animals. We’re creating this space for the animals this winter.”
Gallant says the park has been focusing its efforts on educating the public about protecting wildlife and staying safe.
“We can have problems such as in campgrounds where we do a lot of messaging and keep an eye out to remind people it is illegal to feed wildlife.”
Anyone caught feeding, enticing or disturbing wildlife in a national park could be charged and face fines up to $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act.
Gallant adds he is aware of one visitor who was charged in 2021 based on an incident from last winter but he’s unsure of the fine.
The Loggiecroft Road area including the wharf will be off-limits to everyone until the end of March and Parks Canada will reassess the situation at that time.
