Whistler woman fined $60,000 for feeding ‘bulk produce’ to bears

WHISTLER (NEWS 1130) — A Whistler woman who attracted bears to her property by feeding them has been fined $60,000, an amount the BC Conservation Officer Service says represents the steepest penalty ever imposed.

The cased dates back to July, 2018, when the conservation service received a tip to their Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) Line. The investigation revealed a woman living in the Kadenwood neighbourhood had been feeding the animals throughout the summer.

“Bulk produce — including up to 10 cases of apples, 50 pounds of carrots, and up to 15 dozen eggs — was purchased on a weekly basis to feed the bears,” says a Facebook post from conservation officers.

“These activities created an extraordinary public safety risk by conditioning bears to human food and presence.”

COURT CASE | A #Whistler resident has received a combined $60,000 penalty for feeding and attracting bears to her property in a precedent-setting case for the #BCCOS as the highest overall penalty imposed under the Wildlife Act in B.C. https://t.co/pxKd6VxDwV pic.twitter.com/BdCjn4PA6W

— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) October 1, 2021

By September of 2018, the animals had become so comfortable around people and accustomed to being fed that they could not safely be relocated or rehabilitated.

“Three bears that were repeatedly visiting the area, causing property damage, and exhibiting highly habituated behaviour showing no fear of people. The non-natural food conditioning ensured these bears were not candidates for rehabilitation or relocation, as the risk to the safety of area residents and visitors was simply far too great,” the BCCOS continues.

The woman was ordered to pay the hefty fine in North Vancouver Provincial Court earlier this week. Most of the money will be paid to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

A spokesperson for the BC COS says feeding bears creates a “public safety risk” and hopes the fine will deter the behaviour.