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B.C. man gets 30 days in jail and $11K fine for killing bear cub and sow

Conservation Officer Services calls Tofino decision 91Ƶprecedent setting91Ƶ
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Ryan Millar used a recurve bow and crossbow to shoot a black bear cub and sow in October, 2021. Millar tried to hide the carcasses but was seen by witnesses who took video of the incident. (Conservation Officer Service photo)

A Tofino man has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and given an $11,000 fine for illegally killing two black bears in what the BC Conservation Officer Service is calling a 91Ƶprecedent-setting91Ƶ decision.

Ryan Millar killed a black bear cub and sow on Oct. 14, 2021, and .

He was sentenced in Tofino Provincial Court on Nov. 6 and received 30 days in jail, an $11,000 penalty, 20-year hunting and weapons bans and had his bow and crossbow seized. The majority of the fine will go towards the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, according to a media release from the Conversation Officer Service announcing the decision.

91ƵNo one should take it upon themselves to needlessly destroy wildlife. We ask people to call us if they have a concern. It91Ƶs not lawful to take matters into your own hands,91Ƶ said COS Sgt. Dan Eichstadter. 91ƵWe91Ƶd also like to thank the witnesses who immediately reported their concerns to authorities and initiated this investigation.91Ƶ

The release explains that Millar had spotten the bear cub and sow in a tree outside his Tofino property and used both a recurve bow and crossbow to shoot them.

He later tried to hide the carcasses.

Two witnesses had seen Millar kill the bear cub and took video of the incident, which was presented at trial.

Millar claimed the killing was done in self defence, but Judge Wolf rejected that claim.

The Conservation Officer Service investigated the incident and presented evidence at trial alongside a Provincial Wildlife Veterinarian and the two witnesses.

91ƵThere is no open season for wildlife within 100 meters of a dwelling or occupied outbuilding, nor is there an open season for a black bear less than two years of age, or a bear in its company,91Ƶ the release states. 91ƵThe COS hopes this significant penalty will deter others from similar activities.91Ƶ

Anyone wanting to report poaching or other unlawful activities is encouraged to call 1-877-952-7277.

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Andrew Bailey

About the Author: Andrew Bailey

I arrived at the Westerly News as a reporter and photographer in January 2012.
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