Dead bear found dumped in downtown Kamloops alleyway

The body of a black bear found dumped in an alleyway in downtownKamloops, B.C., has sparked an investigation by conservation officers.

The intact carcass was found wrapped in a tarp, by a woman passing by on Monday afternoon.

A necropsy revealed the female bear had been shot, but it's unclear whether it was hunted or simply killed, perhaps because it was a backyard nuisance.

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B.C. Conservation officer Sgt.Kevin Van Damme says killing black bears in springnear Kamloops is not illegal, as long as you have a valid hunting license.

But he notes dumping the edible parts of any animal is illegaland carries a maximum fine of up to $50,000 and a term in prison of up to six months in prison.