The BC Conservation Officer Service is asking the public for information in connection with a person feeding food to a grizzly bear in Smithers.
Several social media videos have surfaced of a man hand-feeding a grizzly bear over the long weekend.
In one video, a man is seen feeding a bear a carrot from a vehicle.
In another, a man is outside of a vehicle trying to feed a bear an apple. A second grizzly bear can be seen in the background.
The incidents are believed to have taken place in the Hudson Bay Road area.
“Feeding dangerous wildlife is not only illegal, but an extremely risky activity both for the safety of the person, as well as the bear,” said Conservation Officer Cody Cyr.
“These individuals could have been seriously hurt, or worse. Feeding bears is not helping them. Feeding bears creates a public safety risk by conditioning the animals to human food and presence.”
Penalties for feeding, attempting to feed, or attracting dangerous wildlife can range up to $100,000, and or even jail time.
Conservation officers are continuing to investigate this case and do not believe the suspects reside in B.C.
If you have information that may help the investigation, contact the COS at 1-877-952-7277.