Reward Offered in Florida Black Bear Poaching Case

October 27, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States and The HSUS Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for illegally killing a black bear in the Osceola National Forest.

The Case:
According to published media reports, the adult male bear was shot with a gun and found on Oct. 20 in the Hog Pen area off Forest Road 241. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking for help from the public to track down the person or people responsible.

"Shooting and abandoning this bear showcases the callous nature of poachers and their often flippant participation in a serious crime," said Jennifer Hobgood, Florida state director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for enforcing anti-poaching laws."

Investigators would like to question two men seen in the area driving a white or silver, late-model Toyota pickup and others in a black Chevrolet Z71 pickup with two hunting club-type decals on the back window.

Black bears are protected as a threatened species in Florida except in Baker and Columbia counties, in which the Osceola National Forest is located. Killing a black bear in these counties is punishable as a second-degree misdemeanor with penalties of up to a $500 fine and/or 60 days in jail. Additionally, those found guilty of animal cruelty may face charges ranging from a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a year imprisonment and/or fine up to $5,000 to a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Poaching:
Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1 to 5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel manners.

The Investigators:
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse across the country. Visit humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse for more information.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

Since its founding in 1993, the Wildlife Land Trust has worked with private landowners to create 99 permanent wildlife sanctuaries where recreational and commercial hunting and trapping will always be prohibited. In addition, the Wildlife Land Trust works in collaboration with a variety of partners to protect many other vulnerable lands to benefit wildlife. Proud of its affiliation with The Humane Society of the United States, the Wildlife Land Trust joins in campaigns to protect wildlife from cruel and indefensible practices such as poaching, steel-jawed leghold traps, Internet hunting and canned shoots.