Wildlife Act ([RSBC 1996] Chapter 488).

This Act provides for the conservation and management of wildlife and wildlife habitats, including hunting/fishing and trade aspects. At the outset, it establishes that ownership of all wildlife in British Columbia is vested in the Government. It details various offences throughout its text, as well as fines and penalties. The 111 sections of the Act include detailed provisions on licence and permit requirements and fees for applications, institutional powers, hunting, firearms and trapping, angling and trading. Wildlife management areas and sanctuaries, agricultural and cleared land, regulations by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and by the competent minister. The Act sets out the powers of a conservation officer or constable, which focus on inspection, stop and search, and seizure provisions. Section 88(1) sets out the Dangerous Wildlife Protection Order, whereby if a conservation officer believes that dangerous wildlife is or may be attracted to any land or premises other than a private dwelling, he may, without a warrant, enter and search the land or premises. Moreover, if a conservation officer believes that there is an attractant ("attractant" means food, food waste, compost or other waste or garbage), that could attract dangerous wildlife; in, to the premises, he may issue a dangerous wildlife protection order directing the removal of the attractant within a reasonable period of time. Section 101.1 deals with appeals to the Environmental Appeal Board. Section 111 deals with the Habitat Conservation Fund.