A Blue River-based tour company has been fined $35,000 – the highest ever imposed in the province – for using bait to attract bears.

In a statement, the BC Conservation Officer Service says a judge in Clearwater imposed the fine this week on Russell and Debra Critchlow. The brother and sister team operate Blue River Safari, which offers bear and wildlife viewing tours in the Blue River area.

They were each was ordered to pay $17,400 to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. They were also fined a further $200, and ordered to create an anti-bear policy and undergo wildfire attractant inspections.

“It’s a good deterrent and you the majority of people are going to comply and you know, they want to comply,” said BCCOS Deputy Chief, Chris Doyle. “So we feel that this case will certainly deter those that may be thinking of not complying.”

The Conservation Officer Service began its investigation in 2017 after complaints that cranberries, peanut butter and meatballs were being used to attract bears to ensure better viewing opportunities for Blue River Safari clients.

Court documents show the Critchlow’s originally faced six charges, including four under the Wildlife Act, but five of the charges were stayed.

– With files from the Canadian Press

#BCCOS Statement on Guilty Plea of Blue River Safari: pic.twitter.com/CiLjGgdjsc

— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) November 25, 2019