B.C. tour company ordered to pay $35K for using bait to attract bears

CLEARWATER, B.C. – The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service says a guiding company in the province has received the highest-ever fine imposed by a B.C. court for using bait to attract bears.

A statement from the service says a judge in Clearwater imposed a $35,000 fine this week on Russell and Debra Critchlow.

The brother and sister team operate Blue River Safari, offering bear and wildlife viewing via jet boat and jeep tours of the Blue River area of east-central B.C.

Court documents show the pair originally faced six counts, including four under the Wildlife Act, but five charges were stayed and each was ordered to pay $17,400 to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation on the remaining count.

The Conservation Officer Service says an investigation began in 2017 after complaints that cranberries, peanut butter and meatballs were being used to attract bears, ensuring better viewing opportunities for Blue River Safari clients.

Further fines totalling $260 were also imposed and the conservation officer statement says Blue River Safari must create an anti-bear baiting policy and undergo wildlife attractant inspections.

"The primary concern of the (Conservation Officer Service) is public safety," the statement says.

"Illegally feeding or placing attractants to lure dangerous wildlife, such as bears, is an extremely dangerous activity."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 29, 2019