A man who set up “bait sites” to attract and feed dangerous wildlife in North Vancouver has been fined $27,000, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service. The investigation into Kenneth Amaral began in 2022, officials said in an online statement, adding that both bears and coyotes were seen feeding in a residential area near a popular walling trail. “During the BCCOS investigation, Amaral admitted to conservation officers that he intentionally placed the food to feed dangerous wildlife, despite knowing it was prohibited and after being confronted by a member of the public,” the social media post said. “Conservation officers identified three bait sites that attracted dangerous wildlife over a multi-day period.” Provincial legislation allows individual fines to be levied for each day on which a violation occurs, the BCCOS explained, before detailing the sentence handed down by a judge this week. Amaral was fined $18,000 for feeding or attempting to feed dangerous wildlife, comprising six days worth of $3,000 fines. The total fine issued for attracting dangerous wildlife was $9,000—which represented a $1,500 fine for each of the six days. “While feeding wildlife may seem harmless, it can have serious consequences. Bears, coyotes, and other dangerous wildlife that learn to associate people with food are more likely to enter neighbourhoods and create conflicts,” said Insp. Simon Gravel, in the online statement. The BCCOS urges people to report dangerous wildlife feeding by calling 1-877-952-7277
