Coquitlam police searching for naked hiker
Coquitlam, B.C. police are searching for a man spotted backpacking in the buff.
The man, described as a Caucasian, between 20 and 25 years old and with an athletic build, has been seen at least three times hiking around Crystal Falls trail.
The three reports that came into police said he was wearing nothing but a backpack and earbuds.
"We want to interview him, talk to him and find out what his intentions are," said Cpl. Jamie Chung. "We also want him to start wearing clothes when he's out and about on the trail. It's cold to do, especially at this time of the year."
Public nudity is an offence in the criminal code, but Chung says police do make exceptions — clothing-optional beaches, for example.
According to police, no one who spotted the man felt threatened by him. One report said the hiker hid behind a tree when they saw him.
Stéphane Deschênes, director of the International Naturist Federation, says it's perfectly natural to hike naked in the woods.
"Why you want to hike nude is because it's very liberating and it feels great," said Deschênes.
He says nude hiking is become more popular, especially in Europe where people are less concerned about nudity.
As a nude hiker himself, Deschênes doesn't think that people need to worry.
"You're usually trying to go to a more remote trail because you're not trying to offend anybody," he said. "And from what the cop said, it sound like that's exactly what he's doing."
