A Lower Mainland man has been ordered to pay $27,000 for intentionally feeding and attracting bears and coyotes in West Vancouver.
Between April 26 and May 8, 2022, Kenneth Amaral placed food attractants at several locations along Keith Road, near a popular walking trail and a home, according to the BC Conservation Officer Service.
The food was left where wildlife could reach it, and bears and coyotes were seen feeding at the sites. Conservation officers identified three bait sites that attracted dangerous wildlife over several days.
During the investigation, Amaral admitted he had intentionally left the food for dangerous wildlife despite knowing it was prohibited and after a member of the public confronted him, the Conservation Officer Service said.
Amaral was fined $3,000 per day for six days for feeding or attempting to feed dangerous wildlife, totalling $18,000. He was also fined $1,500 per day for six days for leaving matter that attracted dangerous wildlife, adding another $9,000.
Of the total penalty, $20,000 will go to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. The remaining $7,000 was imposed as a fine and is subject to a victim fine surcharge.
“While feeding wildlife may seem harmless, it can have serious consequences,” said Insp. Simon Gravel. “Bears, coyotes, and other dangerous wildlife that learn to associate people with food are more likely to enter neighbourhoods and create conflicts.”
Gravel urged residents not to feed wildlife and to secure garbage and other attractants.
