Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs 'appalled' at discovery of severed bear paws

The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs says itis "appalled and horrified'' at the "gruesome'' discovery of severed bear paws in the province's Interior.

The Conservation Officer Service confirmed on Twitter that it wasinvestigating the discovery of animal parts, including several bearpaws, along a forest service road in Anglemont, about 450 kilometresnortheast of Vancouver.

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs saidin a statement Wednesdaythat 80 to 100 bear paws were found near Shuswap Lake on Sunday.

It says such a disposal indicates the actions of trophy orcommercial poachers who hold a complete lack of respect for wildlife, hunting laws and the rights of other resource users.

The statement says trophy hunting goes against Indigenouspractices.

Kukpi7 Cliff Arnouse, the chief of the Adams Lake Indian Band near Chase, B.C., says he has never seen or heard ofbear parts being dumped in the wild an action that is considered disrespectful to aspecies seen as sacred in Secwpemc culture.

"It [the bear]is throughout many of our [Secwpemc folklore] stories," Arnouse said Thursday to Chris Walker, the host of CBC's Daybreak South. "They [the bears] deserve our utmost respect and dignity all these animals play their part and have an important purpose in the whole ecosystem."

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefssays it is urging anyone with information that may helpidentify those who disposed of the paws to contact the ConservationOfficer Service.

Four First Nation members including the Adams Lake Indian Band,the Little Shuswap Lake Band, the Neskonlith and the Splatsin are jointly offering a $3,000 reward for any information leading to a conviction of the person who disposed of the paws.

Tap the link below to hearArnouse's interview on Daybreak South: