A wildlife group in British Columbia is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the recent discovery of two dead black bears without their paws.
The gruesome discovery was made by a hiker in the Squamish-Lillooet region, who stumbled upon the remains of the two bears near a popular hiking trail. The hiker immediately reported the incident to the Conservation Officer Service.
According to the wildlife group, the bears’ paws were likely removed for their gallbladders, which are highly sought after in traditional Chinese medicine. This practice is illegal in Canada and can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or a year in jail.
The group is urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring those responsible to justice. They also remind the public that it is illegal to possess or sell any part of a bear in Canada.
Conservation officers are currently investigating the incident and are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area to contact them.
This is not the first time that bears have been targeted for their body parts in British Columbia. In 2019, a similar incident occurred where a black bear was found without its paws in the same region.
The wildlife group is calling for stricter penalties for those involved in the illegal wildlife trade and is urging the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The killing of these bears is not only a violation of the law, but it also has a significant impact on the local ecosystem. Bears play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance in the environment, and their loss can have far-reaching consequences.
The group hopes that the reward will encourage anyone with information to come forward and help protect these magnificent creatures. They also remind the public to respect and protect all wildlife and to report any illegal activity to the authorities.
The investigation into this disturbing incident is ongoing, and the wildlife group is determined to see justice served for these innocent bears. Let us all do our part in preserving and protecting our wildlife for future generations.
