Social media videos showing two men hand-feeding a grizzly bear over the long weekend have prompted an investigation in northern B.C.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service provided information on the incidents in a social media post Tuesday, saying the videos circulating are believed to have been shot in the Hudson Bay Road area of Smithers.
“On one occasion, a man is seen feeding a bear a carrot from a vehicle. In another, a man is outside of a vehicle trying to feed a bear an apple. A second grizzly bear can be seen in the background,” the agency said, describing the videos, later saying the men involved are not believed to be from British Columbia.
Feeding bears is illegal, the BC COS noted, adding penalties can include fines of up to $100,000 and time behind bars.
“Feeding dangerous wildlife is not only illegal, but an extremely risky activity both for the safety of the person, as well as the bear,” said Cody Cyr, a conservation officer, in the post.
“These individuals could have been seriously hurt, or worse. Feeding bears is not helping them. Feeding bears creates a public safety risk by conditioning the animals to human food and presence.”
Anyone with information that can assist the investigation is urged to call 1-877-952-7277