Bear feeding caught on video in Banff leads to $1,000 fine
Parks Canada asking public to report incidents in effort to curb the problem
Don't feed the wildlife — that's the message Parks Canada is sending out to the public today.
- Feeding pepperoni sticks to a bear 'isn't good,' Parks Canada says
- Tourists spotted baiting Banff grizzlies with meat
- Banff wolves baited with turkey by suspected 'wildlife paparazzi'
There has been a growing number of incidents of people feeding wildlife in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay, according to Parks Canada.
So much so that the public is being asked to report any incidents, and to include details like licence plate numbers and video of any offenders.
Parks Canada released one such video today in an effort to spread awareness on the issue. The footage captured last year along the Icefields Parkway, or Highway 93, led to charges that went to court in June 2014.
In the end, the offender received a $1,000 fine.
"We are sharing the ... video that helped lead to these charges in order to educate people about why the feeding of wildlife is dangerous for both people and animals, as well as to seek public support in the reporting of wildlife feeding incidents, which may further deter this unlawful behaviour," said Parks Canada in a release.
Anyone who witnesses a similar incident is asked to report it to 1-888-WARDENS.