Man fined $27K for feeding dangerous wildlife in West Vancouver
Posted September 3, 2026 6:34 am.
A former North Vancouver resident has been fined more than $27,000 for repeatedly feeding and attracting dangerous wildlife in West Vancouver.
Court records show that in April and May 2022, Kenneth Amaral left food at several locations along Keith Road, near the Capilano River, and close to a walking trail and a residence.
The food included piles of raw chicken, sausage links, and even lemon meringue pie.
Despite being told to stop, Amaral continued leaving food at the sites. Motion-activated cameras set up by the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) captured him returning multiple times over the course of a week.
The cameras also recorded bears and coyotes feeding at the bait sites.
During the investigation, Amaral admitted he had intentionally left food for wildlife. He acknowledged that he knew the practice was prohibited and said he had previously been confronted by a member of the public about his actions.
Conservation officers identified three bait sites during the multi-day investigation.
Under B.C.’s Wildlife Act, each day that attractants remain accessible to wildlife can constitute a separate offence.
During court proceedings in 2025, Amaral argued that sharing leftovers with wild animals should not be considered an offence because the animals already lived in the area.
“As I said in the past, it’s just a matter of I put it out. Whatever came and ate it, ate it,” Amaral told the court.
On Sept. 1, more than four years after the offences occurred, Amaral was sentenced to fines totalling $27,000.
The penalties included:
- $3,000 per day for six days for feeding or attempting to feed dangerous wildlife, for a total of $18,000
- $1,500 per day for six days for leaving material that could attract dangerous wildlife, for a total of $9,000
Of the total amount, $20,000 will be directed to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, with the remainder imposed as a fine.
“While feeding wildlife may seem harmless, it can have serious consequences. Bears, coyotes, and other dangerous wildlife that learn to associate people with food are more likely to enter neighbourhoods and create conflicts,” said Insp. Simon Gravel.
“To help keep communities safe and wildlife wild, never feed wild animals, keep your distance, and properly secure garbage and other attractants.”
According to court proceedings, Amaral has since left North Vancouver and authorities have been unable to locate him. The court was informed of a tip suggesting he may now be living in Ontario.
Although Amaral did not appear in court for sentencing, Crown lawyer Veda Kenda argued that the proceedings could continue in his absence if the judge determined that he had absconded.
North Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Robert Hamilton agreed.
“He’s put himself in this spot,” Hamilton said. “These cases need to come to an end, so I’m prepared to exercise my discretion and continue with sentencing proceedings in his absence.”
