WANTED! $1,000 Reward Offered After Young Cougar Found Shot On Vancouver Island

A young cougar found with a suspected gunshot wound in Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, has sparked outrage and concern among wildlife advocates. The incident, which went unreported, has prompted a Canadian charity to offer a $1,000 reward for information.

According to reports, the animal was found with an apparent gunshot wound to its leg and chest, along with a badly broken leg, and was euthanized by provincial officials on October 12. The case may involve violations of the BC Wildlife Act, raising serious concerns about ethics and accountability in human-wildlife interactions.

The Fur-Bearers, a non-partisan charity founded in 1953 to protect fur-bearing animals, has offered a reward to help identify the individual or individuals responsible.

“This case may include potential violations of the BC Wildlife Act, and that’s why we’re issuing this reward,” said Lesley Fox, Executive Director of The Fur-Bearers.

While cougar hunting is sadly legal in British Columbia, it is strictly regulated. Hunters must carry proper licenses and follow seasonal rules, bag limits, and designated management unit guidelines, all outlined in the provincial Hunting and Trapping Regulations.

Under provincial law, failing to report a wildlife shooting, especially one that may be illegal or outside regulated hunting activities, is a serious offense that can carry substantial penalties.

The Fur-Bearers are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Anyone with information that could help identify those responsible is urged to contact the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 or by submitting a report through their online form HERE!