By Ian Gunn BBC, Vancouver

A woman in Canada has been charged with patting a whale and now faces a possible fine of more than $65,000.

The lone killer whale, or orca, has been swimming near the small town of Gold River on the Pacific coast of British Columbia.

People have been feeding and playing with the whale, despite warnings from scientists and police.

Now the local police say they will arrest other people who ignore their advice.

The woman, whose name has not been released, has been charged with disturbing a marine animal.

It is an obscure crime from the back pages of Canada's law book, but police say they have to make their point.

Harbour hazard

The whale, a large black and white orca named Luna, had been living near Gold River for the past couple of years.

He is supposed to be swimming with his family elsewhere along the coast, but has instead taken a fancy to the town's harbour.

Scientists warn that if he becomes too used to people, he may never go back to the wild.

Worst, they say, the huge animal could crash into boats or the float planes that land in the harbour, possibly causing a serious accident.

The local police have until now simply been asking people to leave Luna alone.

But now, after reports this month of people swimming with the whale, feeding it and even giving it bottles of beer, they are taking action.

The woman who patted the whale will appear in court in May.