TX Suspect Charged For Fatally Shooting A Black Bear

A Texas resident has been charged with taking a protected state threatened nongame animal after fatally shooting a black bear. The incident occurred on October 16th.

Texas Parks and Wildlife officials said that the suspect was charged on Monday in Val Verde County Justice Court, Precinct 3.

In the state of Texas, black bears have a protected status because they are a threatened species, reports KSAT. It is against the law to hunt, harass, or kill them in the state.

A news release from TPWD officials stated on October 20th that bear sightings are popping up in the west and southwest regions of Texas, thanks to successful black bear conservation efforts in the last two decades.

TWPD officials stated that when residents see black bears, they employ bear hazing procedures "which often include making loud noises, and in some cases, shooting non-lethal flash rounds, paintball rounds or rubber buckshot rounds at the bears" in order to safely keep the bears away without harming them.

Violations for killing a black bear in the state of Texas include penalties of up to $10,000, added civil restitution fines, jail time, and loss of hunting privileges

Photo: Getty Images

Source: KSAT 12 News


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