Alberta hiker fined $7,500 for shooting black bear in Jasper National Park
CBC
An Edmonton man pleaded guilty Wednesday to shooting and injuring a black bear in Jasper National Park last summer.
Serge Painchaud, 42, was fined $7,500 for violating a hunting restriction under the Canada National Parks Act.
According to an agreed statement of facts read into the Court of Justice in St. Albert, Painchaud and two friends started a hike on the Overlander Trail to Mount Colin Centennial Hut on Aug. 6, 2022, a Saturday.
Painchaud had brought along a Mossberg Model 510 20-gauge shotgun and ammunition. He carried the firearm openly.
The trail is popular and the hikers met other people along the way. At some point, Painchaud got tired and turned back alone.
Around 12:15 p.m., while on his way to the Sixth Bridge parking lot, he encountered a black bear and "became scared," according to the agreed statement of facts.
The animal was about 30 metres from him, across a small creek.
Painchaud fired a warning shot into the air. The bear shuddered and then took a few steps toward him.
About five seconds after the warning shot, Painchaud shot the bear.
One of his friends called him after hearing the shots and then contacted Parks Canada as Painchaud said cell service was poor in his area.
Jasper Park wardens found two shotgun shells at the scene, and blood from the bear.
"The black bear was injured from being shot by the defendant," the agreed statement of facts says. "The Jasper Park wardens were unable to locate the black bear after being shot."
The agreed statement of facts notes Painchaud was co-operative at all times.
Crown prosecutor Adam Karbani argued for a fine between $8,500 and $10,000, a two-year firearm prohibition, and 12 months of probation that included barring Painchaud from using a Parks Canada pass.
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