Illegal caribou hunting evidence found in Labrador

Evidence of illegal caribou hunting has been found in Labrador, according to theDepartment of Fisheries and Land Resources.

• N.L. government bans hunt for George River caribou
• George River caribou herd could be wiped out in 5 years, says province

Officials confirmed to CBC News that fish and wildlife enforcement officers received a complaint this week and conducted a patrol in the Birchy Lake area.

The patrolling officers found evidence of about 13 harvested caribou.

The department said in a statement Thursdaythat officers from Quebec's Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks are also involved in the investigation; itis not yet determined whether charges will be laid.

In 2013, the provincial government announced a five-year banon caribou hunting to help preserve the George River herd in Labrador.

"Fish and wildlife enforcement will continue to monitor and enforce the George River Caribou ban," the department stated Thursday.