RCMP headed to a rural home in northeastern British Columbia to arrest a man for dangerous driving and theft last week.
But when they arrived at the Ferrell Creek home, Mounties also found a tiny black bear cub in a cage.
Police said they also found a bunch illegally stored or stolen firearms, tools, seven stolen vehicles including pick up trucks, ATVs, motorcycles, medical gear and other stolen goods.
The bear cub was seized by the BC Conservation Service and was taken to a wildlife sanctuary, RCMP said in statement June 15.
The #BCCOS is investigating after a bear cub was found in a cage on a rural property near Hudson’s Hope. The bear cub has been taken to a wildlife rehabilitation facility. CO’s assisted @BCRCMP with executing the search warrant. Read more here: https://t.co/j3nKQRE3Qb pic.twitter.com/KuudhWnaPG
— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) June 15, 2020
“A great initial investigation done by the Hudson’s Hope RCMP officers, followed up by the support of the Fort St John Police Dog Services, North District General Investigation Section, Forensic Identification Services, officers from neighbouring detachments and the BC Conservation Services, which lead to the seizure and soon to be returned stolen property worth thousands of dollars. Further, the safe recovery of a small bear cub
,” Corporal Rob Gardner, Hudson’s Hope RCMP Detachment Commander, said in a statement.
Justin Thibault, 25, is in custody pending a bail hearing, is facing a number of charges, including wildlife offences. He’s to be back in court June 19.
A 29-year-old woman was also arrested was released.
Court records show Thibault will also return to court June 29 to face a number of wildlife offences dating back to Nov. 2017.
He is charged with hunting using a light, hunting during prohibited hours and on a land without permission.
