Quebec Innu hunting endangered caribou in Labrador

Innu from Quebec are illegally hunting caribou in southern Labrador, say officials from the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Natural Resources.

The province issued a warning to the Innu last week to stay away from the endangered Joir River caribou herd, which numbers less than 100 animals.

Conservation officers said at least 11 animals have been killed by about 50 Innu hunters on snowmobiles. Including women and children, the hunting group numbers about 100, officials said.

Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale said conservation officers aren't going to confront the hunters, but will instead videotape the hunt and gather evidence so charges can be laid.

"You know I'm not going to ask conservation officers to go into a very volatile situation where their lives might be at risk," she said. "The very sad part of all of this is that we could see the end of this herd."

She added that the Innu already have access to the much larger George River caribou herd.