CO's in
#MapleRidge
freed a coyote that had a glass jar stuck on its head. CO's tranquilized the animal, removed the jar & poured water over its body to cool it down. The coyote recovered in the shade (with a water dish beside it). CO's stayed until it began to regain mobility.
On Aug 22/19, the individual who posted pictures on social media of himself feeding bears along the Alaska Hwy and, therefore, was charged by BCCOS for unlawfully feeding bears pled guilty in Prov Court & was fined $2k & ordered to stay away a min of 50m from bears for 6 months.
The
#JamesBayWolf2020
has been safely released back into the wild, in a coastal habitat on the west side of Vancouver Island. The
#BCCOS
would like to thank
@vicpdcanada
for their help & the public for calling the
#RAPP
line. More details here:
The
#BCCOS
is honoured to stand beside our law enforcement and emergency responder partners in Richmond this morning to pay our respects to
@BurnabyRCMP
Cst. Shaelyn Yang, who was killed in the line of duty.
@BCRCMP
If you’re thinking about going camping and having a campfire with your friends during a campfire ban, think twice. It would be cheaper and safer to enjoy a luxurious hotel and fine dinner. COs are on patrol!
#BCWildfire
#RAPP
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.
Thank you to
@Parallel49Beer
for your help in supplying Conservation Officers with hand sanitizer to help keep them safe - these cases are destined for CO’s in every region across B.C.
#ThankYou
#BCCOS
We are heartbroken over the loss of Conservation Officer Tristan Montjoy. Today, with heavy hearts, the COS is extremely honoured to bring one of our own home to his family so he may rest in peace within the traditional territory of his St’át’imc Nation.
Sea-to-Sky CO’s issued 3 violation tickets last night for illegal campfires. Fear of bears and mosquitos are not good excuses to light a fire against restrictions. $1150 fines were issued.
#BCWildfire
#RAPP
#Pemberton
#BCCOS
helped rescue a young cow moose after its hind legs slid thru the rungs of a bridge near
#Peachland
. CO's tranquilized the moose & w/ the help of
@Sunnyslopelandscape
used a bobcat loader & slings 2 lift the moose 2 safety. It was successfully released back into the wild.
Snowmobiling in an area closed to protect mountain caribou could cost you, as 2 Williams Lake men found out the hard way – to the tune of $9,050. It’s a precedent-setting case for the Conservation Officer Service. More here:
#BCCOS
#WilliamsLake
Vancouver Island COS ear tagging a captured young cougar on the Gorge in Victoria. Thanks to
@vicpdcanada
,
@VictoriaFire730
and VicAnimal Control for the combined work. Cougar was in good health and will be relocated back to the wilderness.
The
#GastownBear
was safely released back into the wild today – far away from the city. Shout-out to
@VancouverPD
for their assistance yesterday.
For video and more info:
The
#BCCOS
safely tranquilized and captured the
#JamesBay
wolf. The wolf will be assessed by the provincial veterinarian tomorrow. It appears to be a healthy mature male wolf
#JamesBayWolf2020
Newborn ungulates are arriving across B.C. You may encounter one yourself. Often newborns are found alone as the mother is off feeding. Fawns can be left on their own for 24 hrs. Do not pick them up. If you do, likely the newborn is not being rescued, it is being abducted.
The
#JamesBayWolf2020
has been assessed and deemed a suitable candidate for release. It is currently in transit to an undisclosed wilderness location. Updates to follow
#BCCOS
During the summer of 2017, the Peace BCCOS received complaints regarding individuals posting pictures on social media of bears being unlawfully fed. Today charges were laid concerning the matter and as a result two individuals are scheduled to appear in Ft Nelson Court on Nov 5.
In January, we posted about rescuing this eagle with the help of park rangers, after it was found injured in
#StanleyPark
. We’re happy to report that after recovering at
@OWLRehab
we got to help release the eagle back into the wild!
#teameffort
#BCCOS
COs arrest 2 people & seize vehicle in connection with the alleged feeding of coyotes in
#StanleyPark
yesterday.
"It may seem or feel like you’re doing the right thing by feeding wildlife but this behaviour has a dramatic cause and effect relationship."
Maple Ridge CO’s successfully tracked and immobilized a Male Black-Tailed deer tangled up in netting last night. The plastic netting was removed and the deer was released back into the wild.
#BCCOS
#MapleRidge
#BCWildlife
CO’s helped free a Canada Goose after it became entangled in a fishing net on Mill Lake in
#Abbotsford
. The CO tied a rope to the boardwalk & swam to the bird. He cut the net free, which had been wrapped around its legs & across its back. The goose swam away, exhausted but safe.
Court Case | An
#ElkValley
resident received a $15,152 penalty and 10-year hunting ban for shooting and killing a grizzly bear sow and cub, removing and keeping the heads and paws and burying the carcasses.
#BCCOS
📷 Rideout Photography
A member of the public reported a mountain goat under the Highway 22 bridge crossing tin downtown Trail, BC. COs attended, tranquilized the young, healthy animal and released it back into its home range outside of the Trail urban area. COs were happy to assist the stranded goat
Conservation Officers safely captured this cougar near the
#Nanaimo
Regional General Hospital this morning. It was relocated to a wilderness area outside of the city. COs, using hounds, tracked and located the cougar in a parking lot outside a nearby daycare shortly after 9 a.m.
If you’re driving home to B.C. this weekend, don’t be surprised if a Conservation Officer speaks to you at the border. As an essential service, CO’s can be tasked with various duties during a state of emergency, such as a pandemic. More here:
#BCCOS
CO's caught up with a deer that had been spotted in
#OakBay
with an arrow in its side. CO’s safely sedated the deer & removed the arrow. The deer walked away soon after. If you have info on this incident, please call the
#RAPP
line. Thanks to the public for their help
#Victoria
COs were happy to come across this group of anglers who were fishing with magnets to catch garbage on the bottom of Chemainus Lake. Catch of the day included a chair, knives, fishing rod, bottle caps and gill stringers
#Duncan
#gofishbc
Too tall to ride? This adventurous elk found itself caught up in a private zipline on a
#Youbou
property over the weekend. CO’s safely sedated and freed the elk. Please remember to properly manage items on your property that could injure or trap wildlife
#BCCOS
Update on Bear Attack | CO’s believe this was a defensive attack. Two women were walking in a remote area near
#PrinceGeorge
when one of their dogs startled a bear that was eating. Due to these factors, the
#BCCOS
is not attempting to capture the bear at this time.
You might run into COS K9 Kilo & Sgt. Josh Lockwood at an invasive mussel watercraft inspection station. If you're transporting a watercraft in B.C., it's mandatory to stop.
#DYK
watercraft includes sailboats, motorboats, car toppers, kayaks, canoes & paddle boards?
#AIS
Quality binos: $600. Bag Lunch: $12. Mosquito Repellent: $7. Conducting surveillance & catching the selfish taking an over limit of fish from a Peace Region Lake: Priceless. If you witness poaching please report it using our 24 hr 1-877-952-RAPP Number.
#caringiscalling
RIP
#BCCOS
K9 Boomer |
Goodbye to one of our best tracking dogs, Boomer, who went on countless calls in 10+ years of service with CO partner Kevin Van Damme. Boomer was spoiled in retirement & helped mentor young hounds.
Thank you for your service Boomer.
We'll mark you 10-35
#BCCOS
@mission_fire
&
@BCRCMP
patrolled
#StaveLake
COs issued 17 evictions; 2 charges for unlawfully camping in a day area; 1 charge for 4X4 driving in the lake & 1 no helmet warning. Patrols will continue to promote safe recreational opportunities in
#StaveWest
this summer.
South Island CO’s rescued two bear cubs trapped in a dumpster at a materials recycling facility today in
#sooke
. The cubs were ear tagged and reunited with their mother who was patiently watching from afar. CO’s are reminding people that bears are still out looking for food
A BCCO attended a residence in the Ft Nelson First Nation community regarding a wildlife matter. A little girl was met with her mom and offered to show the CO where she thought the critter came and went from and then wanted to protect the CO; who could say no to that offer.
BCCOS attended a call this morning where a moose had broken through ice near Fort St John. The BCCOS, and members of the community, were able to help the moose out of the frigid water. As we say in the north, “many hands makes for light work”. Everyone’s help was most appreciated
Today a moose decided it was not too cool for school and broke its way in and out of a Ft. St. John School District office. Why we are not sure. Unfortunately the moose had not learned how to open doors prior. The moose was located and determined to be fine all things considered.
On October 20th, at 0130hrs, Conservation Officers encountered 3 individuals hunting on private property west of
#WilliamsLake
with the use of high-powered lights.
All 3 individuals were arrested on site for trespassing and hunting at night.
While out conducting evacuation orders and alerts with
@BCRCMP
,
#Merritt
COs located this campfire. The
#BCCOS
would like to remind everyone that a
#campfireban
is still in effect in many areas of the province. The individual was ticketed and the fire put out.
A nice surprise today in Fort St John when an anonymous person in a drive-through paid for the coffees of the
#bccos
situated behind them. Thank you to whomever you were. Sometimes the small things, are the big things.
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
What’s wrong with this picture? If you're thinking unsecured attractants, you're right! This is unacceptable in bear country and creates a public safety risk. Don't be part of the problem. Sea-to-Sky COs are urging campers to secure food and garbage at all times.
#keepwildlifewild
#Smithers
#BCCOS
received call of an elk trapped by a collapsed hay stack. First photo was what was observed on arrival. While removing the hay from the first elk, a second elk was discovered completely buried inside. Both were freed and walked from the site.
We’re excited to introduce our newest recruits to join the Conservation Officer Service! For the first time in
#BCCOS
history, women outnumber men in this graduating class. Congratulations to all!
For more info:
The COS family is heartbroken over the loss of Sgt. Steve Ackles, who passed away after a lengthy illness.
Steve was the epitome of a Conservation Officer – passionate about protecting the environment, fish and wildlife, he was known for his unmatched work ethic.
A Mule Deer doe had a garbage bin lid trapped around her neck in Fort St John. Thanks to multiple reports from the public, the BCCOS was able to respond and safely tranquillize the doe. The doe’s poor choice of a necklace was swapped for a fancy new yellow ear tag.
Yesterday, near Salmon Arm, BC an individual catches a severe over limit of trout, but then nets $1,100 in fines thanks to a concerned angler who called in the tip to the BCCOS 24 hr violation report line of 1-877-952-RAPP.
It’s May and that means the start of fawning season for deer! Please do not disturb
#fawns
you may see alone outside – they are very likely not abandoned. If you are concerned about a fawn left alone for a long time, please call the
#RAPP
line.
#BCCOS
While hiking in
#WilliamsLake
a resident came across a deer tangled up with a toboggan & called the
#RAPP
line
#BCCOS
used a snowmobile to get to the deer as fast as possible. Thankfully, it was not injured. CO’s tranquilized the deer, cut it free & watched it prance away.
CO’s rescued this elk calf, found dehydrated and emaciated, near
#Cranbrook
. The female elk is believed to have been hit & killed on the road. Please drive with care in wildlife zones. The calf is on its way to a wildlife rehab centre in
#Golden
CO's across the
#Okanagan
are assisting wildfire response efforts in the
#WestKelowna
area.
Officers from
#Kelowna
#Vernon
&
#Penticton
worked overnight to support our law enforcement & emergency responder partners with evacuations & joint patrols to ensure public safety.
Savannah Cats are not regulated under Controlled Alien Species regulations.
We appreciate the public calling in tips so it could be safely reunited with its owner.
#NeverADullDay
COs on patrol in the
#ChehalisRiverValley
came across numerous sites full of trash left by campers, including hacked down trees, food waste, cigarettes and trash. Patrols will continue in the
#FraserValley
throughout the summer to deter illegal activity
#RecreateResponsibly
Kilo, 1 of 2 COS interdiction detection dogs, found a handgun CO’s seized as part of a joint road check near Quesnel on Wednesday. CO’s seized 4 firearms – including the 44 magnum handgun – that were found to be loaded inside a vehicle, as well as a drone
#BCCOS
#seizure
A
#Comox
man has been issued a $10 K fine for cutting down a tree that had a nest of a Bald Eagle in it. The man recently pleaded guilty in connection with the March 2019 incident. Destroying an eagle nest is an offence under the BC Wildlife Act
#BCCOS
Resident Bull Elk “BoB” was tranquilized today in Youboo. COS removed wire that had wrapped around BoB’s antlers and neck posing a significant risk to BoB’s health. Once the wire was removed and BoB tagged, he quickly rejoined his herd.
Please do not disturb fawns you may see alone outside. They are very likely not abandoned. In
#PortAlberni
, a person knowingly took a fawn with the intent of keeping it – that person was quickly located & issued a $345 fine. CO's were able to reunite the fawn with its mother.
Thompson-Fraser COs have been assisting
@BCRCMP
with wildfire evacuations, including last night in
#LoganLake
COs have also conducted patrols to ensure compliance with Area Restriction Orders associated to several wildfires. Stay safe everyone
#BCCOS
#WorkingTogether
#BCWildfires
Today, a mother and her child stopped by the Dawson Creek
#bccos
Office to say hello and take advantage of an empty CO parking stall for some winter coat grooming and scratching. As they say, “Happiness is having a scratch for every itch”.
Peace Region CO’s encountered an individual who was transporting a live Rainbow Trout in their motor vehicle. The Rainbow Trout was seized and violation tickets were issued. The COS wants to remind the public that it is illegal to have a live fish in your possession.
We’re hiring! For a Conservation Officer, no 2 days are alike – you could be patrolling the backcountry one day & investigating a spill on the next. If you’re interested in a diverse role protecting BC’s environment, fish & wildlife resources, join us!
Fraser North Zone CO’s recently attended a call for a mink caught in an unlawfully set foot hold trap. After receiving medical attention at a local wildlife rehab, the mink was released back into the wild. An investigation was launched and charges have been laid.
BCCOS in Fernie tranquilized this deer to remove a crossbow arrow from its head. COs have initiated an investigation into the discharge of a crossbow in town and at an animal outside of an open season. The deer is expected to make a full recovery.
While patrolling near the BC-Alberta border near Dawson Creek, Peace-Liard Region CO Rob Groeger found a neat piece of history. CO Groeger came across an old Canadian Survey marker that delineates the BC and Alberta border.
Last night, an elk learned there were worse places to be then between a rock and a hard place; like being severely wedged in a bale feeder. With help from the property owner, a tractor, and some elbow grease the Prince George BCCOS was able to free the elk safely this morning.
Congratulations to the new recruits joining the B.C. Conservation Officer Service. The new hires include a Westbank First Nation CO, full-time officers to replace retirements and other vacancies, and a number of seasonal conservation officers.
CO’s helped rescue this abandoned moose calf in
#PrinceGeorge
CO's safely captured the calf and ensured it was fed as it awaited volunteer transport to a wildlife rescue facility
#BCCOS
#PG
The
#BCCOS
is thinking of our law enforcement partners
@SaanichPolice
and
@vicpdcanada
and everyone affected by the incident today.
We wish a speedy recovery to all of the injured officers.
This afternoon an
#Omineca
CO was privileged to encounter this young fellow doing his best impersonation of carbing up in prep for a long winter’s sleep. Talk about liking your steak rare. Fall is the final push for bears to put on weight, remember to secure attractants.
#BCCOS
#BCCOS
safely released & relocated a cougar which was unintentionally caught in a trap in the Williams Lake area last night. The young female cougar was tranquilized & taken a short distance away. CO's stayed on site to ensure the cougar safely recovered & watched it walk away.
Thanks to a
#RAPP
call, this owl was rescued by CO's in
#PrinceGeorge
. It was found injured in the middle of the highway, alert but unable to fly. The owl is getting a lift today to the
@OwlRehab
in
#Delta
courtesy of
@PacificCoastal
We hope it has a speedy recovery!
#BCCOS
Conservation Officers were able to safely free this
#Youbou
elk, which found itself tangled up in a hammock and swing, which was attached to a tree. A reminder that hammocks, netting and other items on your property can pose hazards to wildlife
#BCCOS
This screech owl was found injured on a Hwy near Ft Steele BC by a conservation officer on patrol in late fall. The owl was sent to OWL in Langley for rehab and was recently released back to it’s home range. Thank you OWL and all volunteers who assisted with the owl’s recovery
Tonight, many BCCO’s, like many other parents, will tell their kids that there is nothing to be afraid of in the dark then will head out to do their best to keep it that way. If you see a glimpse of a taillight tonight it might just be a CO on patrol.
#firebans
#bccos
#okanagan
CO’s all over the Province have been crossing creeks, floating down rivers, riding to remote locations and boating on many lakes this weekend to protect the resources and the safety of British Columbians. Happy BC Day!
#BCCOS
in the Skeena issued two violation tickets for contravening the current fire restrictions. BCCOS would like to remind everyone in the province, despite local weather conditions, there is a province wide fire ban. Please if you see a fire call 1-877-952-7277
#SKEENA
Future CO? A 10-year-old girl in
#Merritt
wanted to show her local Conservation
Officers her homemade CO truck – it’s going to be in a model car race today at
her school. We think she did an awesome job! We also hear she is a fan of
@NorthWoodsLawAP
#futureCO
#BCCOS
#goals
#Omineca
CO’s took to the skies east of
#PrinceGeorge
today to conduct Caribou Closure Enforcement patrols. If you identify anyone operating a snowmobile within an identified caribou closure, please contact the
#RAPP
line
#BCCOS
Beautiful British Columbia - our officers take pride in protecting the fish, wildlife and environment of our great Province. If you see a violation call
#RAPP
at 1-877-952-7277.