Post by freedomrules3 on Feb 12, 2006 16:22:03 GMT -5
Maryland Natural Resources Police Investigates Dead Bear and Cubs in Washington County
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HANCOCK — On Thursday, Jan. 26, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) responded to a report of a black bear carcass in the 1000-Acre Area of the Woodmont Rod and Gun Club, off of Woodmont Road, in Washington County. A concerned citizen who had found the dead bear reported the incident.
NRP and Wildlife and Heritage Services (WHS) arrived at the scene and found a 250-pound sow in a den with a fatal shotgun wound. When WHS personnel started to remove the carcass from the den, they discovered three dead cubs, also in the den.
After an initial investigation it was determined that the bear was shot on Monday, Jan. 23 and reported three days later. The 2-3 week old cubs appeared to have died from exposure sometime after the death of the mother.
NRP obtained a statement from the suspected shooter, a 17 year-old Hancock man, and charges are pending. NRP continues to investigate the incident. Once the investigation is completed, the case will be referred to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice in Washington County.
The Department of Natural Resources denounces the illegal shooting of any animal. Wanton destruction of Maryland’s wildlife violates the ethical burden each hunter takes with him or her when heading afield.
Individuals encountering a black bear in the wild, including a sow with cubs, should back away slowly and leave the bear alone. Lethal measures of self-defense are usually not necessary. Individuals should not enter a bear den or disturb a sow and its cubs.
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HANCOCK — On Thursday, Jan. 26, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) responded to a report of a black bear carcass in the 1000-Acre Area of the Woodmont Rod and Gun Club, off of Woodmont Road, in Washington County. A concerned citizen who had found the dead bear reported the incident.
NRP and Wildlife and Heritage Services (WHS) arrived at the scene and found a 250-pound sow in a den with a fatal shotgun wound. When WHS personnel started to remove the carcass from the den, they discovered three dead cubs, also in the den.
After an initial investigation it was determined that the bear was shot on Monday, Jan. 23 and reported three days later. The 2-3 week old cubs appeared to have died from exposure sometime after the death of the mother.
NRP obtained a statement from the suspected shooter, a 17 year-old Hancock man, and charges are pending. NRP continues to investigate the incident. Once the investigation is completed, the case will be referred to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice in Washington County.
The Department of Natural Resources denounces the illegal shooting of any animal. Wanton destruction of Maryland’s wildlife violates the ethical burden each hunter takes with him or her when heading afield.
Individuals encountering a black bear in the wild, including a sow with cubs, should back away slowly and leave the bear alone. Lethal measures of self-defense are usually not necessary. Individuals should not enter a bear den or disturb a sow and its cubs.
