An Edmonton man pleaded guilty Wednesday to shooting and injuring a black bear in Jasper National Park last summer.
Serge Painchaud, 42, was fined $7,500 for violating a hunting restriction under the Canada National Parks Act.
Painchaud had brought along a Mossberg Model 510 20-gauge shotgun and ammunition. He carried the firearm openly. Around 12:15 p.m., while on his way to the Sixth Bridge parking lot, he encountered a black bear and "became scared," according to the agreed statement of facts.Painchaud fired a warning shot into the air. The bear shuddered and then took a few steps toward him.One of his friends called him after hearing the shots and then contacted Parks Canada as Painchaud said cell service was poor in his area.
"Firearms are not permitted in national parks unless they're being securely transported through the park," he said.Defence lawyer Edmond O'Neill took the position that Painchaud should only be fined $4,500 — the minimum required under the legislation. He noted Painchaud had no criminal record or wildlife offences.He also said Painchaud had saved the court's time through a guilty plea.
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