Image: The Canadian Press / Conservation officers in British Columbia say an Abbotsford man has pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in black bear paws.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Abbotsford man fined

Abbotsford man pleads guilty to trafficking in black bear paws

Nov 14, 2024 | 6:31 AM

PORT COQUITLAM – Conservation officers in British Columbia say an Abbotsford man has pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in black bear paws.

According to a statement from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, Abbotsford resident Hong Tao Yang entered his pleas in a courtroom in Port Coquitlam on Wednesday (Nov. 13). His guilty plea requires him to pay a penalty and victim surcharge of $8,625.

B.C. COS says it launched an investigation into the illegal trafficking of wildlife parts after receiving a tip from the public about someone looking to buy bear paws.

It says Yang also pleaded guilty to a separate count of trafficking in wildlife, with the offences all taking place in Maple Ridge between October 2022 and October 2023.

The service says bear paws and other parts may be sought for medicinal purposes.

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Contingent upon the species and the type of part, prices can vary significantly from several hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars.

The service says wildlife trafficking has serious impacts to British Columbia’s wildlife populations.

The COS investigates reports of wildlife trafficking. Reports can be submitted to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.