Image Credit: Twitter / BC Conservation Officer Service

By James Peters

Bear Parts

Bear parts discarded in North Shuswap belonged to taxidermist: BC Conservation Officer Service

Sep 15, 2022 | 3:42 PM

ANGLEMONT, B.C. — The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) says a large pile of bear parts found in the North Shuswap last year were inadvertently dumped there by a taxidermist.

The bear parts were discovered on Forest Road 695 near Anglemont in May, 2021. They included several skinned paws and parts from approximately 20 to 25 animals.

In a post to social media, BCCOS says it has wrapped up its investigation, finding the person responsible “was in lawful possession of the wildlife parts as a result of their taxidermy business.” The parts were left in the area after accidentally falling out of the back of the taxidermist’s truck.

BCCOS says the individual responsible has been cooperative with investigators. The person has made a “substantial voluntary donation” to Watershed Stewardship Guardian Program run by the Little Shuswap Lake Band, whose territory the paws were found on. The donation will go toward training Guardians to keep the community safe and reducing bear conflicts.

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The BBCOS says the donation “far exceeds” the prescribed $115 littering fine under the Environmental Management Act, and emphasizes the incident was not related to the black market trade of bear parts.

“We understand the public is passionate about wildlife and recognize this scene was alarming and concerning to many Indigenous communities, British Columbians and others,” said Acting Chief Conservation Officer Cam Schley. “We hope the conclusion of this investigation, which confirms this was not related to poaching, helps alleviate distress and bring closure to the public.”