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Investigation Underway After Illegal Shooting Leaves Five Black Bear Cubs Orphaned

Three cubs are receiving round-the-clock care at a Smithers facility ahead of their planned release next June.

FILE - A black bear stands near the side of Highway 881 near Conklin, Alberta on Tuesday May 10, 2016.
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Conservation officers are investigating after five black bear cubs near Williams Lake were left orphaned after their mother was shot and killed illegally. This file photo shows a black bear in Squamish, B.C.

Overview

  • The bear sow was shot and killed between May 24 and 25 near Big Lake, northeast of Williams Lake, and discovered by a motorist on May 26.
  • Conservation officers have opened a probe under the Wildlife Act, which outlaws shooting a sow with cubs or any bear under two years old.
  • Northern Lights Wildlife Society staff have successfully captured three of the five orphaned cubs for rehabilitation in Smithers.
  • The cubs have exhibited stress and confusion without their mother but are now under intensive veterinary and nutritional care.
  • Authorities are asking anyone with information on the shooting to call the Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline at 1-877-952-7277.