Conservation Officer Service
1610 Mt Seymour Road North Vancouver, BC, Canada

Learning how to live peacefully with bears is an ongoing challenge for many communities in B.C. But through hard work and dedication, nine communities have now obtained official Bear Smart status through the Bear Smart Community Program a voluntary, preventative conservation measure that encourages communities, businesses and individuals to work together to reduce conflicts with bears by addressing the root causes, such as managing attractants. In the weeks ahead, we will b...Continue reading

UPDATE | The COS Predator Attack Team investigation has determined the cougar that mauled a 69-year-old man at his Soo Valley property near Whistler was a young, emaciated male and the attack was predatory in nature. While such attacks are rare, a highly-motivated cougar desperate for food is more likely to attack a human. The COS would like to emphasize that the victim took the right steps in the event of such an encounter and fought back against the cougar, which likely s...aved his life. The COS PAT remains at the attack site today - a rural property - as they continue to monitor the situation and ensure public safety. CO’s believe the offending cougar was the one put down yesterday and the public is not at risk. The public is urged to be prepared in case of any wildlife encounters. If you are confronted by a cougar, make yourself look as large as possible and keep the cougar in front of you at all times. Never run or turn your back on a cougar, as the sudden movement may provoke an attack. If you are attacked, fight back. For more safety tips, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/y5khxkpd #BCCOS #PAT #Whistler See more

There have been no further reports of coyotes nipping joggers in Stanley Park and trails will be fully re-opened today. The Conservation Officer Service would like to thank Vancouver Park Board rangers and Vancouver police for their assistance. Park users are asked to be aware of their surroundings and familiarize themselves with safety tips in case of any wildlife encounters, which can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y3gavd9z. Coyote sightings in Stanley Park are not un...usual but it is not normal behaviour for coyotes to pursue people. Aggressive behaviour towards people is usually the result of the animal being fed. It is unlawful to feed dangerous wildlife such as coyotes, as it creates a risk to public safety. Reports can be made 24/7 to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. The COS is working with area organizations to provide public outreach in Stanley Park on the importance of preventing human-wildlife conflicts. #BCCOS #StanleyPark #Vancouver #RAPP See more

COUGAR ATTACK | A 69-year-old man was attacked by a cougar near his property in the Soo Valley, north of Whistler. The COS Predator Attack Team is on site investigating the attack, which happened at approx. 3:30 p.m. The man was mauled by a cougar and suffered major injuries to his face and hand. He was taken to hospital via ambulance and is reportedly in stable condition. Whistler RCMP were first to arrive at the site and euthanized a cougar on the property. The COS does no...t believe there is any risk to the public at this time. Further updates to follow tomorrow #BCCOS #PAT #Whistler See more

UPDATE: A coyote captured this morning in #StanleyPark matches witness descriptions in several incidents of joggers being nipped, including two more cases over the weekend. No one was seriously injured. CO’s believe this escalating and abnormal coyote behaviour is due to being fed by people. The Conservation Officer Service will continue to have a presence at Stanley Park and ask the public to familiarize themselves with coyote safety tips, which can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y3gavd9z The COS would also like to thank Vancouver Park Board rangers, who reported sightings and helped maintain trail closures. Please check for updates on trail closures. Please report any encounters to the #RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

Over the weekend CO's in the #Peace region took to the skies, patrolling for Bison Hunters and Off-Road Vehicles operating off the designated route within the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. Please review the hunting regulations prior to going out #BCCOS

Meet Kim! She's our Youth Employment Program participant in Terrace. She's been on a helicopter patrol as part of the program. Kimberly Vroon Terrace... I have always had an interest in environmental work. The COS has always piqued my interest. I was hired in Kitamaat Village by Haisla Nation Council to start a pilot program to help the community work towards Bear Smart community status. This included working with all members from the community on education and outreach on best practices with wildlife. When this position came up, I jumped at the opportunity to learn more about this line of work. With this incredible opportunity, I hope to gain more insight, knowledge and experience into this career path. I’m hoping this gives me the insight needed to decide this is the career path I want to pursue in some way. So far, I have really enjoyed the training opportunities provided. Both the Land Guardian training and WildSafeBC training were very helpful and informative. I look forward to all of the experiences to come working in my region. #YEP #BCCOS #Terrace

Introducing Jill! She's one of our Youth Employment Program participants based in 100 Mile House. So far, experiences include local patrols and helping to monitor a family unit of cougars. Jill Matlock 100 Mile House... My duties have involved patrolling with the CO’s, doing outreach to the community and helping with day-to-day duties. I was very interested to apply for the YEP because it is a great opportunity to see what responsibilities CO’s have. I hope to use this experience to help solidify my career aspiration to become a Conservation Officer. My favourite moment so far was during a roadblock. I also got to assist the Wildlife Health Lab sample a caribou head for Chronic Wasting Disease. #YEP #BCCOS #100MileHouse

The Conservation Officer Service is asking the public to stay away from an area of Stanley Park after multiple reports of aggressive coyotes. In coordination with Vancouver Park Board rangers, the Brockton Oval trail and other trails in the area are shut down and signage is posted. The COS has received reports of joggers being nipped in their lower leg and ankle area by a coyote. No one has been seriously injured. Coyote sightings in Stanley Park are not unusual, however thi...s escalating behaviour is concerning. CO’s suspect at least one coyote has been fed by people. Conservation officers are patrolling the area as attempts to capture the coyote continue. If a coyote approaches you, the COS encourages people to make yourself as large as possible, face it, wave your arms, yell, and throw sticks, stones or other objects at the coyote. For other safety tips, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/y3gavd9z Please report any sightings or encounters to the #RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 #BCCOS #StanleyPark #Vancouver See more

The #BCCOS is investigating another coyote incident in #StanleyPark after a woman was bitten while jogging last night. The woman was jogging in the #HollowTree area on the west side of the park when she was bitten at approximately 5 p.m. The force of the incident caused her to fall over. She was treated in hospital and released. The COS Predator Attack Team is in Stanley Park and working to track down the coyote. Further trail closures have been implemented by parks and the C...OS is asking the public to respect these closures, as some people have been removing barriers or walking around them. People breaching the closures will be escorted out of the area. The description of the coyote in the latest incident is new and different than two coyotes CO’s recently euthanized due to their aggressive behaviour. It is believed the behaviour of this coyote escalated due to it being fed. Over the last several days, there have been multiple sightings and reports of joggers and cyclists being followed by coyotes. CO’s are also patrolling high-use areas in Stanley Park and are working with area groups on public education efforts around reducing wildlife conflicts. Coyote sightings in Stanley Park are not unusual but coyotes pursuing people is not normal behaviour. This likely indicates the animal(s) have been fed. It is illegal to feed dangerous wildlife, such as coyotes. Park users are urged to familiarize themselves with safety tips, which can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y3gavd9z If a coyote approaches you, the COS encourages people to make yourself as large as possible, face it, wave your arms, yell, and throw sticks, stones or other objects at the coyote. Please report encounters and any information regarding feeding coyotes to the #RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. - See more

Introducing Emily! She's one of our Youth Employment Program participants based in Victoria. Find out what she's been up to. #YEP #BCCOS #Victoria Emily Scott... I am responsible for creating an archive/preservation system for the historical artifacts owned by the conservation officers of B.C. I will be making sure the artifacts are stored appropriately, organized, and documented. I am also working on creating a museum reflecting on the history of the COS based on what I see in the collections. I was interested in the prospect of approaching my area of study (Museum Studies) in an environmental theme. The opportunity also correlated with work I had done before in archives and museums in terms of working with artifacts and creating displays, so I felt like my previous experience could be helpful. I was also interested in seeing what working in government would be like. I hope to use the responsibility and independent working skills gained through this position to find further opportunities in project management, archives, or museums. I am also enjoying working in a government so far, so I am definitely open to more opportunities there. My favourite moment so far was seeing the historical objects for the first time when they were brought in from Powell River. It was really exciting to see all that history and look through the objects. I had seen the inventory list beforehand, but it was nice to connect a visual to the objects. I am also looking forward to starting work on the museum itself and the display. It will be nice to see all the work I have been doing and will continue to do culminate into a final product.

We’re excited to introduce you to our Youth Employment Program participants who’ve been gaining valuable experience with our CO’s across B.C. Over the coming days, we’ll profile participants and show you what they’ve been up to. Introducing Katelyn. She’s one of our Wildlife Safety Response Officers based in Vernon. Highlights so far include helping to free a tangled-up deer and release a bobcat back into the wild. Katelyn Dyck... Vernon - Wildlife Safety Response Officer I want to pursue a full-time career as a Conservation Officer, and this seemed like a great way to gain experience and knowledge of the job. I hope to use this experience to have a good understanding of what a CO does, what they look after and how they respond to calls, as well as get hands-on experience to help better understand certain aspects of the job. So far everything has been really good, there hasn’t been an exact favourite moment for me as I am enjoying it all and loving the experience of learning from the CO’s in the North Okanagan zone. I’m looking forward to more hands-on experiences and seeing how the service shifts when the seasons do, from hunting to fishing to caribou patrols throughout the winter. All in all, I’m just excited to have this opportunity and will take everything they give me and learn as much as I can during my time as a WSRO. #YEP #BCCOS #Vernon #Okanagan

Conservation Officers caught up with a deer that had been spotted in #OakBay with an arrow in its side. CO’s safely sedated the deer and removed the arrow. The deer walked away soon after. If you have any information on this incident, please call the #RAPP line. Thank you to the public for their assistance #BCCOS #Victoria

I’ve had a variety of experiences in a short amount of time that I probably would never get otherwise. Meet Kayla Williams, one of our Youth Employment Program participants based in Cranbrook and see what she’s been up to: https://news.gov.bc.ca/23411 #YEP #BCCOS #BCParks

Three more Roosevelt Elk have been unlawfully killed in the #LakeCowichan area. One elk was left to waste, while the others had minimal amounts of meat harvested. This is a senseless crime against our wildlife resources. Please report any info to the #RAPP line #BCCOS

During the election period, our communications on social media will be limited. We will definitely keep you updated with items related to public safety, but other content is on hold for now. We look forward to sharing more #BCCOS stories soon.

FAWN FREED A fawn that found itself wedged between the bars of a fence in north #Nanaimo had some help to wiggle free from Conservation Officers and a Wildlife Safety Response Officer. It walked away shortly after. It’s not uncommon for fawns and deer to find themselves tangled up in objects, such as fencing or netting. Please call the #RAPP line if you spot a trapped deer.

Conservation Officers are patrolling neighbourhoods throughout B.C. with a history of bear conflicts, aimed at ensuring bear attractants like garbage and food compost are properly secured to keep wildlife wild and people safe. In #Nanaimo, COs hit the streets around suppertime this week more than 12 hours before garbage was scheduled to be picked up the following morning. In a two-hour span from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m., COs issued seven violation tickets to residents who had alr...eady left their garbage or compost bins out at the street where bears could access them. Bears that start with unsecure garbage on the street overnight often progress to raiding carports and garages, frequently causing property damage and risk to human safety. The public is reminded that they are required by provincial law to secure all non-natural bear attractants. Failing to do so can result in tickets or other enforcement actions. Please do your part to secure attractants to help keep people safe and bears from being destroyed and encourage your neighbours to do the same #BCCOS #doyourpart See more

FAWN FREED A fawn that found itself wedged between the bars of a fence in north #Nanaimo had some help to wiggle free from Conservation Officers and a Wildlife Safety Response Officer. It walked away shortly after. Its not uncommon for fawns and deer to find themselves tangled up in objects, such as fencing or netting. Please call the #RAPP line if you spot a trapped deer.

GB Attack Update The Conservation Officer Service Predator Attack Team has determined the Grizzly Bear reacted defensively, and no further action will be taken at this time. The PAT flew into the remote site near #Pemberton, via helicopter, as part of the investigation. The 36-year-old man had been hiking slightly ahead of the group when he spotted a bear cub and was suddenly attacked by a sow grizzly. The grizzly bit his leg and hand. ... The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries but is expected to undergo surgery. With dense brush and heavy berry bushes along the North Creek Trail, the COS is warning the public to avoid the area at this time. Signage has been posted at the trailhead. The attack took place near the North Creek Cabin, which the BC Mountaineering Club has voluntarily closed for the reminder of the fall season. The COS strongly urges anyone venturing into the backcountry to take precautions in case of wildlife encounters. Travel in groups, make noise, be aware of your surroundings and carry bear spray. For more tips, visit WildSafeBC See more

Two individuals face charges in connection with allegedly feeding black bears in #Whistler. In July 2018, the #BCCOS launched an investigation after receiving an anonymous complaint to the #RAPP line that residents of the Kadenwood neighbourhood in Whistler were deliberately feeding bears. The suspects allegedly purchased large quantities of apples, carrots, pears, eggs and almonds to leave out for the animals. In June 2020, charges were approved by the BC Prosecution Service..., and a warrant was issued for both individuals. On August 16th, one of the individuals returned to Canada and was detained by the Canada Border Services Agency at the Vancouver Airport. Charges include intentionally feeding dangerous wildlife and attracting dangerous wildlife. A court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 18th in North Vancouver. See more

A #Fernie man pleaded guilty in #Terrace Provincial Court on September 10, 2020 to multiple Wildlife Act violations. Convictions of obstructing officers and possessing a carcass without parts attached resulted in a sentence of a $7,000 fine, a 2 year hunting suspension and a caribou and moose forfeited to the Crown. The investigation started on September 17, 2019, when Conservation Officers, along with the RCMP Air Service, conducted hunter checks of remote fly-in lakes nor...thwest of #DeaseLake During one of the checks, officers became suspicious of a bull caribou and a bull moose killed by one of the hunters in a camp. The subsequent investigation by Conservation Officers in #Atlin, Dease Lake and Fernie, determined that both animals were illegally killed. Officers were deliberately hindered during the investigation by the hunter. The majority of the $7,000 fine - $6,500 - was ordered to be paid to the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund. The #BCCOS appreciates the support of the RCMP and its Air Service Branch. See more

GB ATTACK | The #BCCOS is investigating after a 36-year-old man was attacked by a Grizzly Bear in a remote area north of #Pemberton. The man was among a group of 3. The group called for help using an inReach device at approximately 6 p.m. The group was airlifted out of the area by #Pemberton #SAR The man - and lone victim - is in hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Further updates will be provided tomorrow.

GB Attack Update The Conservation Officer Service Predator Attack Team has determined the Grizzly Bear reacted defensively, and no further action will be taken at this time. The PAT flew into the remote site near #Pemberton, via helicopter, as part of the investigation. The 36-year-old man had been hiking slightly ahead of the group when he spotted a bear cub and was suddenly attacked by a sow grizzly. The grizzly bit his leg and hand. ... The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries but is expected to undergo surgery. With dense brush and heavy berry bushes along the North Creek Trail, the COS is warning the public to avoid the area at this time. Signage has been posted at the trailhead. The attack took place near the North Creek Cabin, which the BC Mountaineering Club has voluntarily closed for the reminder of the fall season. The COS strongly urges anyone venturing into the backcountry to take precautions in case of wildlife encounters. Travel in groups, make noise, be aware of your surroundings and carry bear spray. For more tips, visit WildSafeBC See more

The GB attack occurred near the North Creek Cabin along the North Creek Trail near #Pemberton The #BCCOS is asking the public to avoid this area. When in bear country, remember to make noise, be vigilant, travel in groups & carry bear spray. For more tips: WildSafeBC

Update| The Grizzly Bear in #Squamish has been safely captured tonight. It’s a healthy adult male bear. The GB will be released at a location determined by senior wildlife biologists. The #BCCOS encourages residents to pick fruit & secure attractants to help #keepwildlifewild

GB ATTACK | The #BCCOS is investigating after a 36-year-old man was attacked by a Grizzly Bear in a remote area north of #Pemberton. The man was among a group of 3. The group called for help using an inReach device at approximately 6 p.m. The group was airlifted out of the area by #Pemberton #SAR The man - and lone victim - is in hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Further updates will be provided tomorrow.

Bear Trap Tampering A #ShawniganLake woman has been charged in connection with tampering with a Conservation Officer Service bear trap. CO’s were forced to set the trap in the Shawnigan Lake area last month after public education and enforcement efforts failed to reduce the conflict between humans and a black bear. The bear was significantly habituated to humans and was an ongoing public safety risk. ... CO’s soon received reports that the trap had been tampered with, rendering it inoperable. Signage was also posted on the trap. Subsequent investigation led to the identification and charging of a local resident. The bear was never captured as a result of the trap interference. The COS wants to stress that interfering or tampering with lawfully set traps is illegal and dangerous for both the public and the offender. The trap can injure an untrained person and a conflict animal can remain at large, exacerbating the public safety risk. The COS recommends instead that citizens concerned for the safety of wildlife put their efforts into managing attractants and reducing the causes of human-wildlife conflict to prevent them from occurring in the first place #BCCOS See more

The Conservation Officer Service is warning the public about numerous cougar sightings on the #Coquitlam Crunch trail this morning. The cougar was spotted in the Panorama Drive area, the same general area where a black bear swiped a jogger two weeks ago. In one case, a hiker spotted a cougar in the grass and their dog, which was off-leash, approached it. The cougar swiped at the dog and then chased it in the direction of people before leaving the area. The dog received stitc...hes and is otherwise fine. Conservation Officers are patrolling the area and asking the public to report any sightings to the #RAPP line. At this time, the trail remains open but the COS is liaising with the City of Coquitlam, which will help provide public outreach in the area. Signage has also been posted. For safety tips, please visit WildSafeBC See more

Update| The Grizzly Bear in #Squamish has been safely captured tonight. Its a healthy adult male bear. The GB will be released at a location determined by senior wildlife biologists. The #BCCOS encourages residents to pick fruit & secure attractants to help #keepwildlifewild

The Conservation Officer Service would like to warn the public that a Grizzly Bear has been spotted in a residential area in #Squamish It has shown no signs of aggression so far but the COS urges people to be cautious when outside. The Grizzly bear has been feeding on fruit trees in the Garibaldi Estates area. COs have hazed the Grizzly bear and want it to move on we are asking the public to please remove fruit, and secure garbage and all other attractants. Please be vigilant and take precautions when outside keep dogs on a leash, travel in groups and carry bear spray. More tips can be found at WildSafeBC COs are monitoring the situation, conducting attractant patrols and asking the public to call in all sightings to the #RAPP line.

Bear Trap Tampering A #ShawniganLake woman has been charged in connection with tampering with a Conservation Officer Service bear trap. COs were forced to set the trap in the Shawnigan Lake area last month after public education and enforcement efforts failed to reduce the conflict between humans and a black bear. The bear was significantly habituated to humans and was an ongoing public safety risk. ... COs soon received reports that the trap had been tampered with, rendering it inoperable. Signage was also posted on the trap. Subsequent investigation led to the identification and charging of a local resident. The bear was never captured as a result of the trap interference. The COS wants to stress that interfering or tampering with lawfully set traps is illegal and dangerous for both the public and the offender. The trap can injure an untrained person and a conflict animal can remain at large, exacerbating the public safety risk. The COS recommends instead that citizens concerned for the safety of wildlife put their efforts into managing attractants and reducing the causes of human-wildlife conflict to prevent them from occurring in the first place #BCCOS See more

Conservation Officers conducted evening patrols in Central Vancouver Island communities. Several residents received violation tickets for having their compost and/or garbage bins at the street the night before pick-up day. Residents are reminded that they must secure their attractants, or face fines. Garbage and compost cannot be put out for pick up until the day of pick up. Additional patrols are planned in the coming weeks throughout Vancouver Island #doyourpart #keepwildlifewild #BCCOS

Salmon fishing season on Vancouver Island is well underway, and anglers are reminded to ensure they carry their non-tidal angling licence and government-issued photo identification. Conservation Officers are actively patrolling rivers at this time of year to ensure fishing regulations are being followed. Consult the BC Fresh Water Fishing Regulations Synopsis, as well as DFOs Sport Fishing Guide (Fresh Water Regions/Salmon Fishing opportunities) before you go fishing. If you observe a violation, please call the RAPP line 1-877-952-7277 #knowbeforeyougo

UPDATE Conservation Officers removed the bear trap at the #Coquitlam Crunch trail this morning, which was set after a woman was swatted by a bear on the leg over the weekend. The trap was in place for 5 days. The bear was not captured. The trail will remain closed until at least Tuesday, after the long weekend. The decision to remove the trap is based on several factors, including duration and lack of bear activity in the area. The COS did not receive any recent reports of ...a bear in the vicinity of the trap. The COS made a similar decision to remove a bear trap after several days of no capture following an incident at Rice Lake in July, when a child was bitten by a bear. COs will continue to monitor the area and are asking the public to report any bear sightings to the #RAPP line. The public is also urged to familiarize themselves with safety tips when outside in bear country. For tips, visit: https://tinyurl.com/y38hljeu See more

Cougar Attacks Child Near Lillooet A 10-year-old boy is lucky to have escaped serious injury after a cougar attack northwest of Lillooet. The COS Predator Attack Team remains at the site of the attack, which took place Monday afternoon outside a remote family cabin near Marshall Lake. Two women and four children ranging in age from 10 to 13 were walking along a trail when the boy ran ahead. A cougar suddenly dropped out of a tree and swiped at the boy, who was knocked do...wn. The cougar pursued the boy on the ground, scratching his back and chest. A Border Collie with the group jumped on the cougars back while the group started screaming and throwing rocks and sticks. The cougar ran away. A nearby road worker helped administer first aid. The boy was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Conservation Officers, using hounds, are working to track down the cougar as the investigation continues. While cougar attacks are rare, Conservation Officers urge anyone venturing into the backcountry to be prepared in case of any wildlife encounters. Find safety tips here: https://tinyurl.com/y4zh723t See more

#BCCOS has closed the upper portion of the #Coquitlam Crunch trail after a runner was swatted on the leg by a black bear. The public is urged to be vigilant, take safety precautions and asked to report any bear sightings in the area to the #RAPP line. For tips, visit WildSafeBC

#DYK there are simple things you can do that make a big difference in preventing human-wildlife conflicts? This can help prevent wildlife from coming into communities & creating a public safety risk. Everyone has a role to play to #keepwildlifewild For tips, visit: https://tinyurl.com/wsek47l

COs in #GrandForks recently responded to a call from a concerned citizen about a white-tailed doe caught up in wire fencing and unable to move. With dark falling fast, the deer somehow managed to pull the fencing out from the ground and take off towards the river, despite an attempt to remove it. COs went to the area at first light the next morning, and with another call from the public, were able to locate the deer. The deer was safely sedated, and the wire fencing removed. The #BCCOS would like to thank the public for their prompt and detailed calls to the #RAPP line that helped in the rescue of the deer.

While on a vessel patrol of Wood Lake near Lake Country this weekend, #Vernon Conservation Officers encountered a vessel operator who they believed was impaired by alcohol. After further investigation, the individual was arrested and charged for operating a vessel in a careless manner without due care and attention. Like a motor vehicle, it is an offence to operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs #patrols #BCCOS

Fruit-bearing trees Lead to bears eating fruit, If a bear gains a reward, It will not scoot. Pick the fruits of your labour,... And grapes off the vine, If you serve a bear dinner, A CO may serve you a fine. In #Squamish and across B.C., COs are seeing increased bear activity related to fruit trees. Please make sure you are picking your fruit and securing attractants to avoid facing fines. COs are patrolling communities to enforce legislation related to attracting dangerous wildlife. Please do your part to #keepwildlifewild For tips, visit WildSafeBC #BCCOS

COs are assisting #RCMP with Christie Mountain wildfire response efforts near #Penticton - this includes guarding restricted areas to help ensure public safety and avoid interference with fire crews. For the latest wildfire info, visit the BC Government Wildfire Service page: https://tinyurl.com/ybhhxjw3 #BCCOS #ChristieMountain

#BCCOS BC RCMP and #BCParks joined forces to conduct #ATV patrols in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area near #FortNelson in northern B.C. Recent joint patrols in the area have led to numerous enforcement actions. These include violations related to unregistered ATVs, failing to wear a helmet, loaded firearms and impaired operation of a motor vehicle. For information on access restrictions within the M-K Management Area, please visit: https://muskwa-kechika.com #workingtogether

Its not a call we get too often but a bear cub that found itself stuck in a tree had a little help from a CO to get free. In #PortAlberni, COs responded to a report of someone hearing what they thought was a bear cub crying out from the same spot. The noise was coming from an area surrounded by tall grass and thick underbrush. The cub had somehow wedged its leg into the crook of a tree and was unable to free itself. COs believe the cub had tried to climb the thin tree, sl...ipped, and its leg became pinched between the trunks of two small trees. A sow was seen pacing around the immediate area. COs carefully tranquilized the cub while hazing the sow away just enough for an officer to be able to get to the cub, free its leg and make sure it was not injured. The cub was tagged and left in a safe position so the sow could protect it while it recovered #BCCOS See more

While most of us look to beat the heat, Rattlesnakes are basking in the sun so much so that the soaring temps in the #Okanagan have led to a rise in Rattlesnake calls for the #BCCOS Did you know COs will respond to confined Rattlesnake calls that present a public safety risk? The heat means these snakes are more active & looking for areas that remain warm late into the evening hence your garden or garage, where these snakes in #Penticton turned up (one was caught in netting). They were rescued and set free. The #BCCOS would like to remind the public to ensure garage doors are kept closed and shop and shed doors remain shut to prevent these and other animals from accessing these areas. Please also ensure garden areas are free of debris to prevent entanglement and surprise encounters.

COs helped free a Mallard duck that was tangled up in fishing line. Youths had captured the duck from a creek in #Cranbrook and placed it in a small crate. COs were called and helped safely remove the line from around its neck. The duck was released back into the wild! #happyending

Grizzly Bear Attack Update The #BCCOS Predator Attack Team has completed its investigation and determined this was a surprise defensive attack. No efforts to capture the bears will be made. Below, photos from the site near #Lillooet - youll see the bear bit through the mans helmet! When biking or hiking in bear country, remember to be aware of your surroundings, carry bear spray, travel in groups, make noise to avoid surprising a bear, keep pets leashed and more. For safety tips, please visit WildSafeBC

GRIZZLY BEAR ATTACK NEAR LILLOOET The #BCCOS is investigating after a 58-year-old man was attacked by a grizzly bear in the #Lillooet area on Sunday. The man was mountain biking along the Castle Pass Trail in the isolated Spruce Lake Wilderness Area, north of Gold Bridge, when he was attacked by a sow with two cubs shortly after 4 p.m. The man suffered non-life threatening injuries to his abdomen and leg. ... His wife, who was with him, used bear spray on the sow and it left with the cubs. She was not injured. #Pemberton Search and Rescue and an air ambulance flew to the area, after the call came in to the RCMP. The victim was airlifted to a hospital in #Kamloops, where he was interviewed by COS last night. The COS Predator Attack Team is flying into the site this morning to continue their investigation. The trail, which is within the South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park area, will be shut down and signage posted. This is the second bear attack in a week in the Lillooet-area, although they are not connected. A man suffered injuries to his arm after he was attacked in his tent on McLean Mountain by a black bear sow with a cub on Aug. 9th. In that case, the COS PAT determined it was a surprise defensive attack and no efforts to capture the bears were made. See more

Were seeing a rise in calls of violations around illegal hunting, rec sites & trails, ORV use, dumping & more; possibly due to more people heading outdoors due to the pandemic. COs will continue patrols to ensure public safety & protection of the environment, fish & wildlife #BCCOS

BEAR ATTACKS CAMPER NEAR LILLOOET The #BCCOS responded to a bear attack near #Lillooet on Sunday, after a camper was attacked in his tent. The incident happened at approximately 7 a.m. in an isolated wilderness area on Mount McLean. The man, with his dog, and his hiking partner were camping in separate tents when the victim woke up to a noise outside his tent. He yelled at the bear and was attacked. The victim and friend were able to hike to an area to call for help and w...ere picked up by helicopter. The man was treated in hospital for serious injuries to his arm. The COS Predator Attack Team flew to the attack site by helicopter as part of their investigation, which determined this was a surprise defensive attack. No efforts to capture the bears - a sow and cub - will be made. See more

FAWN SEIZED FROM CUMBERLAND HOME Acting on a public complaint, #BCCOS and RCMP seized a deer fawn that was being illegally held in captivity at a home in Cumberland on Wednesday. A Cumberland resident has been charged with unlawful possession of live wildlife and ticketed $345 under the Wildlife Act. The fawn was taken for assessment and will be rehabilitated if deemed healthy enough.... The public is reminded to leave wildlife alone. If you think a fawn may be abandoned, please call the #RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. See more

The #HaidaGwaii Integrated Natural Resource C&E unit completed a patrol into Gwaii Haanas National Park. As the park remains closed to public use due to COVID-19, the patrol was requested by @ParksCanada to ensure facilities were not being used or damaged #BCCOS #workingtogether