Williams Lake Resident Charged after Killing a Grizzly

A Williams Lake resident has been convicted and fined a total of $11,000 in connection with the illegal shooting of a grizzly bear.

In September 2004, a female grizzly bear was shot and left wounded and paralysed on the banks of the Atnarko River in Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park. Don Kunka pleaded guilty to one count under section 26(1) of the Wildlife Act and was fined $9,000, with $8,000 of that fine to be paid to the Grizzly Bear Conservation Trust Fund.

Kunka also plead guilty to one count under section 29 of the Parks and Recreation Area Regulation, and was fined $2,000 for illegally discharging a firearm in a provincial park. The incident was not reported to any authorities and it was approximately 18 hours before park officials were able to put the bear down safely. There were no initial suspects.

After a 24-month investigation by the conservation officer service in Bella Coola, and numerous tips from the public, charges were laid in 2007.

The maximum penalty for a first offence conviction under the recently amended BC Wildlife Act is $250,000 up from the previous $50,000 maximum. The penalty can also include imprisonment for a term of two years, up from the previous six months imprisonment. Either or both of these penalties can be imposed under the B.C. Wildlife Act. Park Act offences have a maximum penalty of $200,000.

Administrative sanctions may also be imposed.

Illegal hunting and fishing activities threaten provincial fish and wildlife resources. Minister Penner encourages the public to report all poachers and polluters by calling 1-877-952-RAPP (7277), #RAPP (7277) on the TELUS Mobility Network, or by visiting the website at www.rapp.bc.ca. The BC Wildlife Federation offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the conviction of persons breaking wildlife laws, vandalizing private property and breaking other property laws.