B.C. man sentenced for killing grizzly bear, claimed self-defence

A B.C. man has been sentenced for killing a grizzly bear in 2021, after initially claiming that it was an act of self-defence.

The Port Moody resident killed the grizzly in October 2021 near Squamish, according to the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS).

The killing was then reported to the COS through the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline, and an investigation was launched.

“The accused first claimed self-defense, but the evidence found during the investigation determined that the killing was not justified, and contrary to the Wildlife Act,” said the COS in a social media post Friday.

The man, Carmine Bruno, born in 1982, was found guilty of one count of killing wildlife out of season. On June 12, he was sentenced to 100 days of community service, as well as a $7,000 fine. He also received a five-year ban on hunting and possessing firearms.

“There is no open season for grizzly bears in B.C.,” said the conservation service. “The COS hopes this significant penalty will deter others from similar action.”

SEE ALSO:

• B.C. bear that attacked hunter who shot it believed to be dead: Conservation officers
• After bear destroys garden shed, Langford resident ‘fearful’ to step outside

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