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As more and more drone hobbyists launch their remotely operated cameras into the skies, some are experiencing negative effects, like invasion of privacy.

Peachland resident Lisa Bibby said she has been a victim of unwanted drone activity twice in the past year, describing the experiences as creepy and invasive.

The most recent incident reportedly took place when she and her husband were on a hike at Scenic Canyon Regional Park in Kelowna this summer.

“We were walking along the trail and kept hearing a drone flying around us and then when we would catch sight of it, it would fly off behind the trees. We would lose sight of it again but it followed us on the trail for almost half of an hour," she said.

The first incident reportedly took place in Bibby’s backyard where she was lounging with her husband.

“A drone flew by a few times, then came back and literally hovered about us for five minutes,” Bibby said. “We were getting creeped out by it and yelling at it, acknowledging that we saw it. It flew away, then returned shortly after, so my husband brought out his BB gun and pointed it at the drone and it took off, which proves it was watching us.”

Bibby maintains there were no BBs in the gun but she was glad it worked as a scare tactic.

“I feel super uncomfortable and it is a massive invasion of privacy knowing someone is watching you in your own backyard,” she said.

READ MORE: iN VIDEO: Kamloops residents spot creepy drone watching their home at night

Drone users must comply with federal regulations that are managed by Transport Canada, or risk getting fined.

Drones over 250 grams are to be flown by a certified drone pilot and marked with a registration number, according to Transport Canada.

Regardless of weight, all drone operators must keep them where they can see them at all times and must follow privacy laws. Collecting personal information, such as license plates and an image of a person’s face, could have legal implications, Transport Canada said.

Using drones in a way that could be voyeurism, creating a nuisance and violating provincial or municipal laws is also illegal, according to the federal government's privacy guidelines for recreational drone users.

READ MORE: iN VIDEO: Kamloops woman spots sneaky drone watching her from window

Drone users are responsible for knowing all the laws that may apply to drones before use.

To report a privacy-related offence, for example being recorded in your home or property, residents are asked to contact their local police.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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