B.C. man accused of feeding wildlife says he did nothing wrong

A North Vancouver man accused of feeding wildlife appeared in B.C. Provincial Court on Tuesday, telling Global News he doesn’t believe he did anything wrong.

Kenneth Amaral is facing two charges under B.C.’s Wildlife Act for allegedly feeding coyotes and bears on a popular North Shore trail network.

“I will fight it myself,” he told Global News outside the courthouse.

“I am going to plead not guilty.”

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Amaral is charged with one count of intentionally feeding or attempting to feed dangerous wildlife and one count of leaving matter to attract dangerous wildlife to a site.

Amaral told Global News he has been feeding the animals for almost two years, in a wooded area near the Capilano Trail.

“I was basically putting it down for birds. I was putting it down during the day when the birds are active. The bears are not usually active in the evenings and early mornings,” he said.

The B.C. Conservation officer Service announced its investigation into Amaral’s case more than a year ago.

“Just this last Friday we were able to intercept the suspect and we managed to collect enough evidence to recommend charges to Crown for feeding dangerous wildlife in West Vancouver,” Conservation Officer Sgt. Simon Gravel said.

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Earlier this year, a West Vancouver man was fined $5,000 for alleged similar behavior. Videos on social media showed Vitali Shevchenko and his young children hand feeding bears at his home.

Amaral says he’s not too concerned about the charges.

“The worst thing they can do is give me a fine. Big deal,” he said.

“And I continue to feed them.”

He’s due back in court Nov. 15.