Pepper the Raccoon is winning hearts across Montreal—and his rescue story is about much more than viral videos.
Meet Pepper, the rescued raccoon whose bond with Montrealer Louka Berman has travelled well beyond the city. A video of Pepper riding on Berman’s back as he cycled helped launch their internet fame in September, according to The Canadian Press, via CityNews. Behind the irresistible footage is a complicated story about rescue, attachment and finding a safe place for a wild animal to live.
How Pepper the Raccoon was rescued in Montreal
Berman says he found Pepper injured at a construction site in May, following what he described as a crossbow attack that also killed the young raccoon’s mother. As 24 heures reported, he originally intended to help Pepper recover and return to the wild. According to his account, those attempts did not go as planned: Pepper would stay nearby and wait for him to come back.
The bond grew, and the internet took notice. In a feed full of carefully arranged moments, a raccoon choosing to stick close to a human feels wonderfully unexpected.
What happens next for Pepper the Raccoon?
Berman has said wildlife enforcement officers sought to seize Pepper, and he fears the animal could be euthanized. That fear should not be confused with a confirmed decision by authorities.
The Canadian Press reported on October 26 that Berman took Pepper to meet a refuge owner north of Montreal for a rabies vaccination. The provincial environment ministry had not responded to that report’s questions at publication time.
For those following the story, the hope is a safe, appropriate long-term home for Pepper.
How to help Pepper: the Montreal wildlife sanctuary fundraiser
A GoFundMe titled “Help Save Pepper and Build a Wildlife Sanctuary” is organized by Nikki Kakavand on behalf of Louka Berman.
The campaign describes an ambition to protect Pepper and establish a wildlife sanctuary in Montreal. It also states that a portion of donations will support Berman’s legal battle. This is a proposed project; the campaign is not confirmation that a sanctuary is already operating.
🦝 Read the campaign and support Pepper on GoFundMe →
Check the organizer’s latest updates for the current plans and intended use of donations.
Where to follow Pepper the Raccoon on Instagram and TikTok
Their November 2 appearance on The Pantelis Podcast lists the following social accounts and links to the fundraiser:
Follow for updates, read the campaign’s latest information before donating, or share the story with another animal lover.
Montreal has plenty of colourful characters. This one just happens to have a ringed tail.
