B.C. man fined $27,000 for feeding bears and coyotes

A man who set up bait sites to attract and feed dangerous wildlife in North Vancouver has been fined $27,000, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

Officials said their investigation into Kenneth Amaral began in 2022. Bears and coyotes were seen feeding in a residential area near a popular walking trail. During the investigation, Amaral admitted he intentionally put out food for dangerous wildlife despite knowing it was prohibited and after being confronted by a member of the public, BCCOS said. Conservation officers identified three bait sites that attracted dangerous wildlife over multiple days.

Provincial legislation permits separate fines for each day a violation occurs. A judge this week fined Amaral $18,000 for feeding or attempting to feed dangerous wildlife, representing six daily fines of $3,000. He was also fined $9,000 for attracting dangerous wildlife, representing six daily fines of $1,500.

BCCOS Insp. Simon Gravel said feeding wildlife can have serious consequences because bears, coyotes and other dangerous animals that associate people with food are more likely to enter neighbourhoods and cause conflicts. The service asks people to report dangerous wildlife feeding at 1-877-952-7277.