A southern Alberta woman has been fined after pleading guilty to illegally importing two African wildcats into the province.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement says Okotoks resident Nikki Holmes plead guilty last month to the possession of a controlled animal under the Wildlife Act.
An investigation by wildlife officers found Holmes had purchased the servals — large African wild cats, similar to cheetahs — in British Columbia and Quebec, and imported them into Alberta illegally with the intention of breeding them.
Servals are listed as a controlled animal in Alberta and are illegal to import or possess except under strict permitting requirements, usually issued to zoos.
Holmes has received a $15,000 fine.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife says the animals are being housed and cared for at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.