Coast Mountain News Thursday, August 16, 2012
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The Edibile Garden Tour and Feast Coming Aug. 19th.
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Vol. 28 | No. 17 Thursday, August 16, 2012
Serving the Bella Coola Valley and the Chilcotin
Serving the Bella Coola Valley Page and the Chilcotin
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Many black bears and grizzlies make the Bella Coola Valley their home. They require an abundant and uninterrupted food source. Reaching an adequate amount of body fat is crucial to their survival each winter and for females to reproduce. (Tamara Hynd Photo)
Charges laid for failing to report killing wildlife Tamara Hynd Conservation Officer Jeff Piwek commented on a case regarding an alleged shooting and subsequent death of a black bear on Olson Road in Hagensborg on the afternoon of July 29. “Near the end of July it was reported to the Conservation Officer Service (COS) that member(s) of the public may have shot a black bear within the community of Hagensborg. In the province of British Columbia a person is within their rights to kill wildlife for the protection of life or property; however that person is required to promptly report the
kill to the COS. In response to the information received, the COS conducted an investigation to determine whether or not an offence had occurred in Hagensborg. No person(s) involved in this investigation were previously known to the Conservation Officer Service. A charge for failing to report killing wildlife by accident or for protection of life or property was issued. Section 75 of the wildlife act reads: 75 (1) A person who kills or wounds wildlife, other than prescribed wildlife, either by accident or for the protection of life or property, must promptly report to an officer the killing or
wounding, and the location of the wildlife. (2) A person who fails to report as required under subsection (1) commits an offence.’ While Piwek could not mention specifics of this case, he described the COS investigation process. “An investigating officer will speak with witnesses and potential suspects to verify and/or determine the exact sequence of events related to the offence. If enough information can be obtained to prove a violation occurred and who was responsible, enforcement action may be pursued. Enforcement action may be implemented by way of written warning, violation
ticket (which includes a monetary penalty) or an appearance notice (which would put the circumstance before a court to determine its outcome).” When asked if Piwek was working with the RCMP Const. Jason Archer on this case, Piwek responded, “Matters involving wildlife fall under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Officer Service (COS) and generally do not involve the RCMP. However, the RCMP and COS do have a longstanding history of cooperation in situations concerning overlapping interests and public safety. In regards to this specific investigation, there was no Conservation Officer in the
Bella Coola Valley at the time the incident was reported, so a member of the RCMP attended to ensure there was no risk public safety. The Conservation Officer Service (COS) does not currently have a position set permanently in the Bella Coola Valley. We understand that this may impact response time, however we ask residents to report any wildlife or environmental issues they may experience or witness. The COS will work tirelessly to respond and/or find solutions through consultation with local stakeholders.” COS would like to remind the public, see ARE on page 3