The BC Conservation Officer Service says charges are pending in connection with a video showing somebody hand-feeding black bears near Tofino.
The video, taken on the side of Highway 4 last month, shows a man feeding a small bear what appears to be a rice cake.
Deputy Chief Chris Doyle says tips streamed in to conservation officers after the video was posted to social media.
“We certainly appreciate all the tips that came from the public in regards to that investigation,” he said.
It’s unclear whether charges are pending against both men seen feeding and filming the bears in a separate photo posted to Facebook.
The suspects have not been publicly identified.
The video sparked an angry response from many who said the fed bears were as good as dead.
Conservation says bears conditioned to being given food are at a higher risk of being struck by a car, or of injuring a human.
It’s illegal under the BC Wildlife Act and carries a minimum penalty of $345 up to a court appearance for intentionally feeding dangerous wildlife.
The BC Conservation Officer Service says it has seen a very busy few weeks when it comes to wildlife encounters.
Since April 1, there have been more than 3,400 human-wildlife conflict reports in the province.
