MNRF – Buying Bear Parts Gets McKellar Woman $6,000 in Fines
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry would like to remind the public that possessing a black bear gall bladder is illegal.
A man and a woman from McKellar have been convicted after buying black bear gall bladders.
On November 5, 2019 in the Ontario Court of Justice in Parry Sound, Justice of the Peace Cornelia Mews fined Jung He (Audley) Park of McKellar $6,000 for unlawfully buying and possessing black bear gall bladders. Bong (Bruce) Lee was convicted of unlawfully possessing a black bear gall bladder and was given a suspended sentence for his involvement.
In some cultures, there is the traditional belief that black bear gall bladders have medicinal powers. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act makes it illegal for a person to possess a black bear gall bladder that has been removed from the bear’s carcass. It is also illegal to buy, sell or trade game wildlife, including black bears, except under specific circumstances.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry launched its investigation in 2018 after information suggested two people were seeking black bear gall bladders. Detectives with the Intelligence and Investigations Services assisted conservation officers in McKellar with the investigation that led to the charges and convictions.
Ministry conservation officers work tirelessly to help make sure we can all enjoy Ontario’s natural resources in a safe and respectful manner. To report a natural resource violation, call the ministry TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free, or contact your local ministry office. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
We need your help to solve cases. Please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips to view an interactive, searchable map of unsolved cases. You may have valuable information that can help.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love