Abbotsford, B.C., man pleads guilty to trafficking in black bear paws

PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. — British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service says a man from Abbotsford, B.C., has pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in black bear paws.

A statement from the service says Hong Tao Yang entered his pleas in a Port Coquitlam, B.C., courtroom on Wednesday, where he was ordered to pay a penalty and victim surcharge worth a total of $8,625.

The service says it began an investigation into the illegal trafficking of wildlife parts after receiving a tip from the public about someone looking to buy bear paws.

It says Yang also pleaded guilty to a separate count of trafficking in wildlife, with the offences all taking place in Maple Ridge between October 2022 and October 2023.

The service says bear paws and other parts may be sought for medicinal purposes.

Depending on the species and the part of the animal, it says prices on the illicit market can vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.