Environment and Conservation
April 1, 2016

Protecting Wildlife Resources

Provincial Government Condemns Illegal Caribou Hunt in Southern Labrador

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investigating a report that a large number of boreal caribou have been illegally killed in southern Labrador. All boreal caribou in Labrador are listed as threatened under the Newfoundland and Labrador Endangered Species Act and the Federal Species at Risk Act. Hunting of these animals is prohibited.

"This illegal hunt is disturbing and disappointing and shows blatant disregard for the principles of wildlife conservation and sustainability. These actions will have a significant impact on the ability of this population to survive and it is critical that everyone respect the law which prohibits hunting of these animals. Unfortunately, this hunt has occurred in an area where caribou are already in grave danger of local extinction."
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Conservation

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers in Happy Valley-Goose Bay were notified of possible illegal hunting in southern Labrador on Sunday, March 27. Due to inclement weather, officers were unable to visit the site until Wednesday, March 30. Upon arriving at the site, officers discovered evidence of an illegal hunt and an investigation into the incident is underway.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Provincial Government is investigating a report that a large number of boreal caribou have been illegally killed in southern Labrador.
  • Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers in Happy Valley-Goose Bay received a report of illegal hunting on Sunday, March 27.
  • All boreal caribou in Labrador are listed as threatened under the Newfoundland and Labrador Endangered Species Act and the Federal Species at Risk Act
  • The Provincial Government is asking for cooperation by respecting the law which prohibits hunting of the herd.

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Media contact:

Emily Timmins
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 709-693-1292
emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca

2016 04 01                                                                               4:30 p.m.