Watson Lake conservation officers are seeking public assistance regarding four black bears shot and abandoned south of Watson Lake.

Three of the abandoned bears were found around Aug. 19 between Contact Creek in the Yukon and Iron Creek in B.C.

The bears were shot and left on the side of the Alaska Highway at kilometres 911, 912, and 932.

Two of the bears were found in the Yukon and two were found in B.C.

Environment Yukon has put out posters seeking the public’s assistance.

They note it’s illegal to waste any part of a big game animal suitable for human consumption.

Watson Lake conservation officer Logan Donovan explained in an interview this morning they will have to await the results of necropsies to answer some questions, such as the ages of the bears.

Similarly, necropsies are needed to determine if the bears were a family unit.

The bears shot did not include any cubs.

The carcasses have been sent to the Yukon’s fish and wildlife branch for examination.

Staff will be conducting the necropsies with the assistance of the carnivore biologist.

A patrol of the area located the fourth bear on Wednesday.

O’Donovan said evidence shows all of the bears were shot on the same day.

The maximum penalties under the Wildlife Act for shooting a bear and wasting the meat is a $50,000 fine, a year in prison or both.

The poacher or poachers could therefore face maximum fines of $200,000 and four years in prison.

O’Donovan emphasized he is hoping members of the Yukon public can provide information that will be helpful in the investigation.

Even if information does not seem relevant, it very well could be, such as anyone noticing a vehicle pulled off the highway in the area where the bears were killed, he explained.

He said the public has been very helpful in providing conservation officers with information, and the officers are thankful.

Even though two of the bears were found in B.C., because of the proximity to the Yukon, it was determined the territory should spearhead the investigation.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Watson Lake conservation officers at 867-536-3211 or the Turn in Poachers Line at 1-800-661-0525.