Conservation Officer Service

10/03/2026

Reports that the BCCOS dispatched a sow in the Squamish area are incorrect.

The BCCOS is aware of a young bear that has been seen alone for the past few days in Squamish. It’s unknown if it is a yearling or cub of the year.

The whereabouts of the sow are unknown and the BCCOS has had no involvement to date with this bear as it does not pose a risk to public safety.

Cubs, once confirmed a cub of the year, suspected of being orphaned are monitored for 48 hours before a decision about capture is made. Not every cub requires intervention; some animals have a better chance of recovery when left in the wild.

For your safety and the bear’s welfare, do not approach, feed, handle, or attempt to capture it. Keep your distance and let the bear remain wild.

10/01/2026

Did you know Conservation Officers enforce a wide range of provincial and federal legislation - 35+ statutes combined - including fi****ms-related legislation?

The Fi***rm Violence Prevention Act comes into force on Oct 1. The Act includes new restrictions on how fi****ms can be purchased, stored, and transported.

Know your responsibilities! View the Act: https://tinyurl.com/44tzffff

COs are conducting hunting patrols across BC to ensure public safety.

10/01/2026

With hunting season underway in BC, safe use of fi****ms is paramount to public safety. Hunters should be aware of what they are required to do to safely transport fi****ms and live am******on.

Since the beginning of the hunting season, conservation officers in the Central Okanagan Zone have issued 10 violation tickets to the public for having a loaded fi***rm in a vehicle.

Hunters should also be aware of the no hunting and no shooting areas on page 10 of the 2026-2028 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/hunting/regulations-synopsis

By taking the right precautions and acting responsibly, accidents resulting in unintentional discharge of fi****ms in and around vehicles and roads are totally preventable.

Information about the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis, Management Units and General Open Season in B.C.

09/27/2026

The BCCOS is advising the public of increasing grizzly bear activity on the

Conservation officers have responded to RAPP reports of several grizzly bears that have been frequenting residential areas in recent weeks, including in the Pender Harbour, Madeira Park and Sechelt communities.

COs believe some of the bears may be lingering in communities due to numerous fruit trees. Communities are advised to ensure all attractants are properly managed – this includes picking fruit from trees and the ground, securing garbage and removing birdfeeders. Don’t give bears a reason to linger in communities and create risk to people and themselves.

People are advised to familiarize themselves with safety precautions in case of wildlife encounters, including being aware of your surroundings, leashing pets and travelling in groups. For more tips and resources, visit WildSafeBC.com.

COs will continue to monitor bear activity and respond as necessary to ensure public safety. Reports can be made to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

09/22/2026

📣 We're Hiring Conservation Officers! 📣

Ever wondered what it’s like to ensure public safety and protect BC’s fish and wildlife resources? Watch our new recruiting video to see Conservation Officers in action.

From enforcing environmental laws to responding to human-wildlife conflicts, this is more than a job - it’s a calling.

We are looking for both experienced law enforcement officers and new recruits to attend the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy.

Apply by October 4 to join a team that makes a real difference every day: https://bcpublicservice.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/125691

09/21/2026

🔥 Campfire Ban Tickets

From July 1 to September 9, 2026, conservation officers on weekend patrols with the BC Wildfire Service handed out 98 tickets under the Wildfire Act, for a total of $112,700.

The majority of the tickets were issued in the region, which includes the Sea-to-Sky corridor and the Lower Mainland.

The area was the hot spot for illegal campfires this year, with $36,800 in fines (32 tickets at $1,150 each).

Wildfire season continues as crews urge vigilance. To learn more, including how communities should also be preparing for flooding, debris flows, landslides and erosion during intense fall and winter storms, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026WLRS0034-001107

09/14/2026

Court Case:

Two BC residents were recently fined for unlawful possession of live wildlife and discharging a fi***rm in no-shooting area near Quesnel.

In November 2024, Michael Loring and Levi Cahoose unlawfully shot a r***e at a mule deer buck in the West Fraser Road single projectile hunting closure and subsequently loaded it into a truck.

Shortly after, a conservation officer conducting a hunting compliance check determined the mule deer buck was unlawfully harvested and needed to be properly dispatched.

Michael Loring pleaded guilty in Quesnel provincial court to:
• Section 33(1) of the Wildlife Act – Unlawful possession of live wildlife
• Section 10(1)(a) of the Closed Areas Regulation – Wildlife Act – Discharge fi***rm using single projectile

Loring’s sentencing included:
• Section 33(1) of the Wildlife Act – Unlawful possession of live wildlife - $800 to Habitat Conservation Trust Fund - $230 Victim Surcharge
• Section 10(1)(a) of the Closed Areas Regulation – Wildlife Act – Discharge fi***rm using single projectile - $1500 to Habitat Conservation Trust Fund - $575 Victim Surcharge

Levi Cahoose pleaded guilty in Quesnel provincial court to:
•Party To - Section 10(1)(a) of the Closed Areas Regulation – Wildlife Act – Discharge fi***rm using single projectile

Cahoose’s sentencing included:
•Section 10(1)(a) of the Closed Areas Regulation – Wildlife Act – Discharge fi***rm using single projectile - $900 to Habitat Conservation Trust Fund - $115 Victim Surcharge

09/14/2026

Court Case:

A northern BC individual recently received a $5,000 penalty for killing wildlife not within an open season.

During a remote ATV patrol along Jade Boulder Road in the Dease Lake area, a conservation officer discovered a caribou – a mature bull – killed in an area which was not open to hunting.

Julian Starr pleaded guilty to Section 26(1)(c) under the Wildlife Act. Of the penalty, $4,999 is directed towards the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. The sentencing included several conditions, including the forfeiture of wildlife seized.

Hunters are reminded to follow all regulations. The BCCOS would like to thank the Tahltan Nation for their support with this investigation.

09/11/2026

🎉Congratulations to our newest BC Conservation Officers! 🎉

This week, 9 recruits graduated from the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy (WCLEA), held in Alberta, alongside recruits from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon.

The new BC officers will now embark on a two-year field training program under the mentorship of an experienced conservation officer, applying and refining the knowledge and skills gained during WCLEA. These positions will fill existing vacancies.

The BCCOS is excited to welcome our newest officers, who will soon start serving their communities. Congratulations to all!

09/08/2026

Court Case:

Two Cariboo residents received a combined $5,750 penalty for dangerous hunting.

On October 8, 2022, Kristen Johnny and Colin Williams unlawfully entered a private cultivated field between the hours of 10:44 p.m. – 11:08 p.m. and killed a mule deer buck. Sunset on that day occurred at 6:31 p.m.

Johnny and Williams recently pleaded guilty in Williams Lake provincial court to Wildlife Act Section 28 – Hunt without consideration for the lives, safety, or property of others. Both parties were sentenced with a fine of $2,500, plus a $375 victim surcharge.

Reports of unsafe hunting practices can be made to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.