Men in disguises damage deer traps in B.C. Kootenay region

Police in Kimberley, B.C., say they caught two men wearing disguises and vandalizing deer traps on Thursday.

The pair are from Invermere — which has been a hot bed of opposition to the controversial deer cull taking place in the Kootenays — and appeared at a bail hearing shortly after being caught.

The two men are now facing charges of mischief and wearing a disguise while committing an offence. Cpl. Chris Newell of the Kimberley RCMP say they may also face charges under the Wildlife Act.

Several communities in southeast B.C. committed to a large-scale deer cull several years ago, after the deer population exploded and started becoming a nuisance. Several people and pets have reportedly been attacked.

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However, the cull has faced strong opposition and some activists have started taking matters into their own hands. Similar cases of deer traps being damaged have occurred in Invermere and Cranbrook.