A Gravenhurst resident has been fined $6,500 for illegally possessing black bear parts, as part of the Ontario government’s efforts to protect black bear populations.
The individual pleaded guilty to having three black bear gall bladders in his possession, a violation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, which prohibits owning certain parts of black bears once removed from the carcass.
The case was investigated after conservation officers found the prohibited items near Gravenhurst.
Forensic tests later confirmed that the gall bladders were from black bears.
The investigation involved several agencies, including a veterinary pathologist from the University of Guelph and the DNA Profiling and Forensic Center at Trent University.
The matter was heard in Bracebridge court on May 30.
