Conservation Officer Service

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Conservation Officer Service
(Government of British Columbia)

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06/26/2026

Bowen Island Bears |

The BCCOS is aware of as many as two black bears on Bowen Island.

While it may be an uncommon sight for residents and visitors, it’s a reminder that coastal islands are not immune to bears and best practices should be followed to minimize conflicts.

It is not unusual for bears and other wildlife to occasionally island hop for several reasons, such as foraging for food or establishing new territory.

The BCCOS has not received any reports of the bears acting aggressively towards people.

Residents and visitors are advised to ensure attractants – such as garbage, pet food and birdseed – are securely stored to help keep wildlife wild.

People are also asked to familiarize themselves with precautions in case of wildlife encounters, such as ensuring pets are leashed.

For more resources and information, visit WildSafeBC

Conservation officers will continue to monitor bear reports on Bowen Island and respond as necessary to ensure public safety.

Conflicts should be reported to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

06/26/2026

Court Case |

A Guide Outfitter and Assistant Guide recently received a combined $30,000 penalty for various hunting licensing and Wildlife Act infractions while on a guided hunt near Telegraph Creek, in northern BC.

Guide Outfitter Gregory Blake Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to immediately cancel a species licence related to a bull moose and caribou, contrary to hunting licensing regulations. Williams received a $20,000 fine.

Assistant Guide Tanner Andre Vandenhoven pleaded guilty to two counts under the Wildlife Act, for failing to remove edible portions of the moose and killing wildlife at a time not within open season, in relation to the caribou. Vandenhoven received a $10,000 fine and a 1-year guiding prohibition in BC.

In September 2022, Wiliams reported to the BCCOS that a client and assistant guide had harvested an unlawful caribou near Telegraph Creek.

The BCCOS investigation determined that a moose and caribou were harvested – neither tag was cancelled, edible portions were not fully removed, the caribou was not legal configuration and evidence of s*x was not attached to either carcass.

Of the court-imposed fines, $29,996 is to be paid to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

Guide outfitters and assistant guides have a responsibility to ensure their clients have a legal and ethical experience while hunting in BC.

06/22/2026

Clarification: Please note the BCCOS has edited this post to clarify the sequence of events as confirmed by the victim.

Bear Attack |

Conservation officers responded to a black bear attack on Sunday near Salmon Arm that left one woman with minor injuries.

At approx. 10 a.m., a woman was walking with her off-leash dog in a wooded area along the Shuswap Memorial Cemetery Trails when she encountered a black bear and cub.

The bear attacked the woman, resulting in minor injuries.

The bears left the area and the woman walked to the trailhead. Via ambulance, she was taken to hospital for medical treatment and released.

Conservation officers responded to the attack and conducted a sweep of the area. No bears were seen.

The BCCOS investigation, which included assessing the attack site and interviewing the victim, determined the attack was defensive in nature. No efforts to locate or capture the bears will be made.

The trail network is currently closed. The BCCOS will continue to work with the municipality to determine the re-opening of the trails. Conservation officers are monitoring bear activity in the area.

The public is encouraged to familiarize themselves with precautions to minimize human-wildlife conflicts, including leashing pets and being aware of your surroundings. For more tips and resources, visit WildSafeBC

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour and express our gratitude for the meaningful relationships and partnership...
06/22/2026

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour and express our gratitude for the meaningful relationships and partnerships the BCCOS has developed with First Nations across the province.

We are united in our shared commitment to protecting B.C.’s environment and natural resources.

06/13/2026

☀️ With hot weather this weekend in several parts of BC, this is your reminder that leaving your doors open to beat the heat could bring an unwanted visitor.

Bears have amazing noses and could follow the scent of food right into your home.

We know it can be challenging but securing and monitoring your home is essential in bear country. For more tips and resources, visit WildSafeBC

A reminder from the that your car is no match for a hungry bear determined to grab the food or garbage left inside.Bea...
06/12/2026

A reminder from the that your car is no match for a hungry bear determined to grab the food or garbage left inside.

Bears that learn to associate vehicles with food can create a public safety risk; not to mention easily tear apart your car, as these images from the Kootenays show.

✔️ Don’t leave food or garbage in your vehicle
✔️ Ensure vehicle doors are locked

For more tips and resources, visit WildSafeBC

There is no typical day for a Conservation Officer.While en route to investigate an illegal dumping complaint, officers ...
06/09/2026

There is no typical day for a Conservation Officer.

While en route to investigate an illegal dumping complaint, officers encountered a smoldering fire in the West Shawnigan Lake area. They stopped and used their onboard backpack fire pumps and shovels to fully extinguish it.

The fire was identified as an abandoned Category 2 fire - larger than a campfire - and currently prohibited under Coastal fire restrictions.

The public is reminded to comply with all fire restrictions, as violations may result in fines and/or penalties. Always ensure that any fire is completely extinguished to prevent forest fires.

Don’t be a Fawn-Napper!It’s that time of year again where we remind the public to please not disturb fawns they may see ...
06/02/2026

Don’t be a Fawn-Napper!

It’s that time of year again where we remind the public to please not disturb fawns they may see alone outside – they are very likely not abandoned.

Every year, the BCCOS receives calls from well-intentioned people trying to ‘rescue’ fawns they believe are orphaned, but interfering can cause more harm than good.

We understand they are cute and appear defenceless, but please be assured it is common for does to leave their fawns for hours at a time while they forage for food. Moving a fawn can result in it not being able to reunite with its mother, thus greatly reducing its chances of survival. Leaving newborn deer alone is the best thing you can do to help them.

Taking a fawn into your care is also illegal under the Wildlife Act, and people can be fined for unlawful possession of live wildlife.

Please also remember to keep your pets on a leash, as deer can become aggressive when protecting their young.

If you are concerned a fawn is injured or abandoned, please call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

06/01/2026

Court Case |

A Lower Mainland man recently received a $7,000 penalty and a 3-year hunting prohibition for killing an illegal moose south of Fort Nelson, BC.

Wing Kam Lau pleaded guilty to hunting moose not within the open season on September 1, 2022, and failing to complete the compulsory report of the kill on October 1, 2022, both violations under the Wildlife Act.

The BCCOS investigation began following complaints to the RAPP line regarding a partial bull moose carcass being found covered on Klua Lake road. The investigation led to several charges being laid and a conviction through guilty plea being obtained in Fort Nelson Provincial Court.

Wing Kam Lau's sentence included:
▪️A $6,998 fine payable to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation;
▪️A 3-year prohibition from hunting anywhere in BC, and
▪️Forfeiture of all seized wildlife parts to the Crown.

The BCCOS would like to thank the public for reporting information to the RAPP line and the Northern Rockies RCMP for their prompt assistance to ensure evidence was collected and preserved.

The BCCOS reminds everyone that should you witness what you believe to be illegal activity associated to hunting, fishing, or polluting, to report the information promptly to the RAPP Line at 1-877-952-7277.

05/29/2026

BC Parks requested assistance from the BCCOS to deal with an aggressive sow black bear in Golden Ears Provincial Park.

Conservation officers dispatched one adult female black bear late Thursday to ensure public safety after multiple reports of conflict in the park.

The bear had an extensive conflict history in the park and displayed behaviour that showed no fear of people, including:
▪️Breaking into numerous vehicles to access food rewards, causing significant damage;
▪️Entering into a tent and multiple campsites to access food, and
▪️A repeated presence at campgrounds during daytime hours, while approaching people nearby.

Two black bear cubs also captured on Thursday were tranquilized and assessed. The BCCOS concluded these cubs were not involved in any conflicts at the park.

In consultation with provincial wildlife biologists with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the two cubs have been transported to authorized rearing facility Critter Care.

“We recognize this incident and response may be distressing for people. Dispatching any bear is not the outcome we want,” said Insp. Simon Gravel. “This bear learned to associate people with food and its behaviour was escalating. All options were exhausted and unfortunately, dispatching was the only outcome to keep people safe.”

The BCCOS is working collaboratively with BC Parks to address bear activity in Golden Ears park. Bear activity will continue to be monitored in the area, and officers will assist BC Parks as necessary to ensure public safety.

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