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Feeding wildlife in national parks can earn you a $1,000 fine

WATCH ABOVE: Parks Canada is reminding the public to stop feeding wildlife in national parks. Jenna Freeman reports.

CALGARY – If you’re caught feeding bears in a national park – it’s going to cost you.

Parks Canada says feeding of wildlife appears to be on the rise in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.

As such, officials are asking visitors to use their smart phones to record license plate numbers and images of people feeding wildlife, and then report them to park wardens.

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On Thursday, the organization took the unusual step of releasing a video and images of a visitor caught feeding a bear in Banff National Park last year. The visitor was later issued a $1,000 fine.

A photo from Parks Canada shows people feeding bears in Banff National Park. Parks Canada

“We are sharing the image and video that helped lead to these charges in order to educate people about why the feeding of wildlife is dangerous for both people and animals,” said Parks Canada in a release. “As well as to seek public support in the reporting of wildlife feeding incidents.”

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If you see anyone feeding wildlife, you’re asked to report the incident to 1-888-WARDENS (927-3367) as soon as possible.

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