The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) is looking for more information about a bear feeding case in Smithers.
This is in relation to a video shared in Smithers social media groups.
According to conservation officers (COs), on one occasion, a man is seen feeding a bear a carrot from a car.
In another, a man is outside of their car trying to feed the bear an apple.
BCCOS added a second grizzly bear can be seen in the background.
COs currently believe the incidents took place in the Hudson Bay Mountain 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 CO 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.”
BCCOS said officers will investigate and take enforcement action as warranted against anyone feeding dangerous wildlife, with penalties ranging up to $100,000 and/or jail time.
COs do not believe the suspects reside in B.C.
Anyone with information that may help the investigation is asked to report it to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
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