The BC Conservation Officer Service says it is investigating a video that was posted that shows two men hand-feeding grizzly bears apples and carrots.
The video starts with a man showing his boarding pass, which landed in Smithers, B.C.
It then shows one man holding a carrot out of the vehicle window as a grizzly bear walks towards the vehicle.
Another shot shows a grizzly bear looking in the vehicles open window with its paws holding onto the door, before cutting to a man outside of the vehicle, walking towards a grizzly bear with an apple in his hand.
The Conservation Officer Service says it is believed the incidents took place in the Hudson Bay Road area.
“Feeding dangerous wildlife is not only illegal, but an extremely risky activity both for the safety of the person, as well as the bear,” said conservation officer Cody Cyr.
“These individuals could have been seriously hurt, or worse. Feeding bears is not helping them. Feeding bears creates a public safety risk by conditioning the animals to human food and presence.”
Conservation says it is investigating and will take enforcement action “as warranted.” Penalties for feeding, or attempting to, dangerous wildlife can range up to $100,000 and/or jail time.
Anyone with information that may help the investigation is asked to call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
Laura has been working with CHEK since 2021 and is a graduate from Langara College’s journalism program. Previously she has worked at Page One Publishing and CFAX 1070.
Municipal politics, housing…
More by Laura Brougham