Conservation officers (COs) are investigating after a black bear was discovered shot and illegally left behind or dumped on Haida Gwaii.
According to Gwaii Animal Helpline volunteer Leila Riddall, the young bear was found dead on the beach just north of the Pesuta Shipwreck Trail by recreational drivers and reported to COs on Saturday, June 13.
Riddall and the helpline both posted a photo of the bear on social media, asking anyone with information about the incident to call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
“It is unacceptable and we’re hoping that when it does get publicized people see that it’s not cool, it’s not OK, most people frown upon it,” Riddall said.
ALSO READ: Bear shot and killed, illegally, near Masset
CO Tony Maestrello confirmed he had attended the scene and found a large calibre bullet in the hide of the bear.
Under the stricter limited-entry hunt rules that were put in place in 2018, a total of four black bears a year can still be legally hunted on Haida Gwaii. Hunters have to enter a lottery and win a ticket to take one.
“But you still can’t just shoot and leave a bear even if there is an open season,” Maestrello said.
“We’re definitely looking for the shooter.”
He also asked anyone with information to call the RAPP line and noted there is an option to remain anonymous.
ALSO READ: Limited-entry bear hunt replaces open season on Haida Gwaii
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karissa.gall@blackpress.ca.