BC

Photo: Contributed - www.geog.uvic.ca

Poaching charges are being considered after three female Roosevelt elk were shot on the Sunshine Coast, northwest of Vancouver.

Conservation officers say three local residents, two from Pender Harbour, and one from Powell River, were stopped late on Feb. 20.

Three elk carcasses were recovered and investigators believe the animals were shot near Highway 101 in the Pender Harbour area, about 60 kilometres north of the Langdale ferry terminal.

They say the alleged poaching was both illegal and extremely dangerous because the animals were likely brought down very close to the road, where passers-by could have been at risk.

Conservation Officer Dean Miller also says biologists have worked hard since the 1980s to reintroduce and rebuild Roosevelt elk herds in the area, and the population can now sustain closely managed hunting.

But he says the loss of three breeding females is disturbing. (CKAY)