Conservation officers seek information from anyone who knows how a 400-pound grizzly bear sow and two cubs were shot and their bodies dumped near Granisle.
The dead bodies were discovered and reported to the tips line on Oct. 16, 2016. The B.C. Wildlife Federation offers a reward of up to $2000 for information that can help lead to a conviction.
“We feel that there’s more than one person who knows what happened out here and maybe some reward money might help somebody come forward with what the details were,” said conservation officer Flint Knibbs.
The reason Knibbs believes more than one person was involved seems obvious due to the circumstances.
“The sow is probably in the neighbourhood of 400 pounds and was loaded up and dumped at the site whole, so it’s not really something one person can do by themselves unless they’ve got all kinds of winches and special rigs,” he said.
Knibbs explained that while a violation ticket could be issued, the seriousness of this case would likely mean it would go to court under the wildlife act. A first conviction carries a fine of up to $100,000 and/or up to a year imprisonment. Repeat offenders can get a fine between $2000 and $200,000, and/or two years imprisonment.
“This is a higher level offence,” said Knibbs.
Officer Knibbs said this is the first time in his six years on the job he has seen such a crime involving a family group.
The animals had to be left where they were found because of their deteriorated state, having been in the remote location when found for several days.
People can anonymously reach the call centre any day at any time at 1-877-952-7277.