Caribou killed in closed area: N.L. minister

Dozens of caribou have been killed in an area of Labrador that isclosed to hunting, according to provincial officials.

Wildlife officials fear some of those animals might be from the protectedRed Wine Caribou herd.

Natural Resources Minister Shawn Skinner said he has been told that more than 70 animals have been shot in the area between Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Churchill Falls that is inhabited by the large George River Herd and caribou from the protected herd.

"I'm gravely concerned to be honest with you," Skinner saidThursday.

Skinner saidhe doesn't know who the hunters are, but CBC News has learned they are Innu from Labrador.

No one has been arrested.

Conservation officers are watching, but not stepping in, said Skinner who added that provincial conservation officers are collecting evidence.

"We expect that we will lay charges and prosecute people" he said.

People have been stopped for alleged illegal hunting in this area before, but charges that were laid didn't result in convictions. Innu from Quebec have also been accused of illegally hunting in the area in past years.

"We have in the past laid charges, unfortunately they've not stuck for a whole variety of reasons as I understand it," said Skinner.

He said officers have learned what type of evidence they need to gather. The department has also bought new equipment to help with the collection.