First Nations group 'appalled' at bear paws found near Shuswap Lake. (Photo credit: BC Conservation Officer Service/Twitter)

By Pete McIntyre

Poachers to blame?

First Nations group ‘appalled’ at bear paws found in Shuswap

May 26, 2021 | 1:32 PM

**Warning: Some people may find the contents of this story and video disturbing.**

ANGLEMONT, B.C. — The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) says it is appalled and horrified at the gruesome discovery of dozens of severed bear paws near Shuswap Lake.

Video of the scene on Anglemont Mountain in the North Shuswap was shared on social media by a person who came across it.

The association says it represents the deaths of 20 to 25 bears.

“The carnage left behind indicates the actions of trophy or commercial poachers who hold a complete lack of respect for wildlife, hunting laws, and the rights of other resource users,” UBCIC president Stewart Phillip said in a news release.

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UBCIC has previously expressed alarm at so-called “wolf-whacking” and “predator tournaments” occurring in the province that it says allows the gratuitous and ruthless slaughter of wildlife.

“The dozens of discarded bear paws demonstrate that this callous attitude towards the killing of animals persists. Trophy hunting or poaching goes against Indigenous hunting practices, and UBCIC urges hunters to hunt, fish, and trap sustainably and ethically—never for unwarranted bloodshed and the glorification of violence,” Phillip added.

The association is calling on anyone with information that may help identify the person or persons who disposed of the bear paws to contact the conservation officer service at 1-877-952-7277.

The person who posted the video, Brandi Hansen, was also horrified at the scene.

“I come from a family of hunters and I have been hunting since I was a child, yet never have I witnessed anything to this caliber. Let’s work together as a hunting and conservation community to report the individuals responsible,” said Hansen on Facebook.

(**The following video may be disturbing to some**)

Vernon Matters contacted the Ministry of Environment for comment on the case and did not hear back, but the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said on Twitter that it is investigating the report.

“The #BCCOS is investigating a report of a disposal of wildlife parts, including several bear paws, near #Anglemont. Conservation Officers attended the site in the Anglemont Mountain area, along Forest Service Road 695, and collected evidence,” the tweet said.

The #BCCOS is investigating a report of a disposal of wildlife parts, including several bear paws, near #Anglemont

Conservation Officers attended the site in the Anglemont Mountain area, along Forest Service Road 695, and collected evidence.

— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) May 25, 2021