Provincial posted May 30, 2025 @ 02:50pm by Josh Duncan

BCCOS investigating illegal killing of mother bear that left 5 cubs orphaned

The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has launched an investigation into the illegal killing of a sow black bear near Williams Lake.

The incident, which happened sometime on May 24 or May 25 near the community of Big Lake, has left five cubs orphaned.

According to the BCCOS, a motorist passing through the area on the evening of May 26 reported seeing a black bear carcass and cubs.

Conservation officers responded to the site and determined that the sow had been shot and killed.

Under the Wildlife Act, it’s illegal to shoot a sow with cubs or any black bear less than two years old.

<who>Photo Credit: BC Conservation Officer Service</who>The five orphaned cubs climbing a pair of trees.

“This is an unfortunate situation. It is not every day that you see a black bear successfully rear five cubs at the same time,” said conservation officer Jeremy Pauls.

“At this time, the BCCOS is investigating and trying to determine who was involved in the killing of this sow black bear.”

In the meantime, the cubs are in the process of being captured for rehabilitation at permitted rearing facility Northern Lights Wildlife Society.

According to the BCCOS, Northern Lights staff have managed to capture two of five cubs so far.

Anyone with information that could assist the BCCOS with this investigation is urged to contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline at 1-877-952-7277.

Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].