West Van resident caught feeding bears, coyotes

A West Vancouver resident could face charges after conservation officers were alerted that someone was feeding bears and coyotes in the neighbourhood.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service got the tip through the “report all poachers and polluters” (RAPP) hotline.

The officers “intercepted a local resident on Friday afternoon who allegedly spent months feeding bears and coyotes in the area,” said the service on its Facebook page.

“Illegally feeding or placing attractants to lure dangerous wildlife, such as bears and coyotes, is a dangerous activity and puts both the public and the animal's welfare at risk,” said the service.

Feeding dangerous wildlife is an offence under the B.C. Wildlife Act. Anyone who sees illegal feeding or other infractions involving wildlife can call the RAPP hotline at 1-877952-7277.