Five Charged in Alberta Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking Case

Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES) have charged five individuals after a detailed investigation into poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking.

 

The group includes one American fugitive from Montana, two individuals from Morley, Alberta, and two residents of Calgary. Together, they face a total of 34 charges under Alberta’s Wildlife Act and nine additional charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.

 

The investigation included undercover operations, during which officers purchased illegal wildlife items such as a bald eagle feather headdress, black bear claw necklaces, and a raptor talon dance stick.

 

Charges against the accused include hunting during closed seasons, unlawful possession and trafficking of wildlife, providing false information to officers, and careless storage and transportation of firearms.

 

“The commitment of Fish and Wildlife personnel has driven this positive outcome,” said Rob Lamont, Deputy Chief of Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services. “I would like to thank the RCMP and the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service for their collaboration and assistance that was essential to these complex investigations.”

 

Anyone with information about wildlife or fishing violations is urged to contact the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 or submit a report online via the Government of Alberta website.

 

Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward.