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Black Bear Freed from Leg-Hold Trap in Canada

Reported:
05/10/2024
Location:
Coquitlam, ID - CA
Species:
Other
Trap Type:
Leghold
Incident Date:
04/30/2024
Victim's Disposition:
released
Victim's Name:
Legal Action:
Unknown

Summary:

Coquitlam, British Columbia – BC Conservation officers freed a black bear from a leg-hold trap in Coquitlam, and now an environmental group is offering a $1,000 reward to help catch whoever set it. On April 30, the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) received a report of a bear with its paw trapped in the pressure-activated snare set near the Pitt River Boat Club.

COS said its officers called in police to close the nearby trail before tranquilizing the bear to remove the trap and examine the animal for injuries. The bear was determined to be in good health, and quickly relocated to a wilderness area outside the city, according to COS.

Although leg-hold traps are banned in many countries around the world, and several U.S. states, the immobilizing traps are still legal across Canada. Only leg-hold traps with metal teeth have been prohibited. Municipalities have an ability to ban their use within their jurisdiction, and Coquitlam did so with a bylaw back in 1979.

Result: