In a recent case, a former resident of North Vancouver has been fined over $27,000 for repeatedly feeding and luring dangerous wildlife in West Vancouver.
According to court documents, Kenneth Amaral was found guilty of leaving food in multiple locations along Keith Road near the Capilano River, as well as near a walking trail and a residential area, during April and May 2022.
Among the items left as bait were piles of raw chicken, sausage links, and even lemon meringue pie.
Despite warnings to cease his actions, Amaral persisted in leaving food at the designated spots. Motion-activated cameras installed by the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) captured him returning to the locations several times over the span of a week, with footage also showing bears and coyotes feeding on the offerings.
During the investigation, Amaral confessed that he intentionally provided food for wildlife, acknowledging that it was against the regulations. He also mentioned being previously confronted by a member of the public regarding his activities.
Conservation officers identified three locations used as bait sites throughout the inquiry. Under the regulations of B.C.’s Wildlife Act, each day that attractants are accessible to wildlife can be deemed a separate offense.
In court in 2025, Amaral argued that sharing leftovers with wild animals should not be deemed an offense since the animals were already present in the area.
Despite his defense, on September 1, more than four years following the incidents, Amaral was fined a total of $27,000. The penalty breakdown included directing $20,000 towards the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, with the remaining sum levied as a fine.
Insp. Simon Gravel emphasized the severity of feeding wildlife, stating that it could lead to dangerous wild animals associating people with food, potentially causing conflicts in neighborhoods.
Following the legal proceedings, it was noted that Amaral had relocated from North Vancouver, and authorities were unsuccessful in locating him, with a tip suggesting he may now reside in Ontario.
Despite his absence during the sentencing, Crown lawyer Veda Kenda argued that the proceedings could proceed in his nonattendance if deemed necessary by the judge. North Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Robert Hamilton agreed, expressing the need to conclude the cases promptly.
