Mutilated black bear carcass found in North Vancouver park

Conservation officers are investigating after a dead and mutilated bear was apparently dumped in Capilano River Regional Park.

Park users first found the carcass on Monday at the edge of a parking lot in Camp Capilano and contacted the Ministry of Environment and North Shore Black Bear Society.

Spokesperson Christine Miller says the bear’s skull and claws were removed, and stomach slashed open.

“The total disregard for this beautiful animal by mutilating it like this is very disturbing, and then to not care about human safety by dumping it in a regional park is just an extra disturbing thought.”

She adds “We need people to be diligent, to be aware of anything suspicious, in case this is somebody who is illegally killing wildlife. We don’t know if that’s the case, but if it is, we need people to be aware that this is happening, so they can alert the police if they see or hear something.”

The Conservation Office is investigating if the bear was illegally killed or dumped.

Hunting is not allowed on the North Shore.

Agencies/Canadajournal