June 21, 2013. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking for the public’s help to determine who and why someone dumped a bear carcass marked in white paint onto a road in Buncombe County.
Anyone with information pertaining to this or other wildlife violations should call 1-800-662-7137. Callers may remain anonymous. A combined reward of $3,000 has been offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.
The bear was discovered this week with “WHATS BRUIN?” written across the head and “w-h-a-t-s” across the claws on the right paw and “b-r-u-i-n” across the claws on the left paw.
“This is a blatant disregard for wildlife and we plan to pursue this case vigorously,” said Lt. Tim Sisk with the Wildlife Commission. “Such actions cast a negative light on hunters and harm conservation efforts. We certainly want to determine the motives, as well as the other circumstances, as to how this bear ended up like this.”
The state is currently prosecuting cases from Operation Something Bruin, a multi-agency law enforcement initiative focused on the illegal poaching of bears and other wildlife, at the Haywood County Courthouse.
In February 2013, state and federal wildlife officials announced the arrests from the four-year undercover investigation in North Carolina and Georgia. Ten defendants were convicted earlier this month in U.S. District Court for federal charges stemming from the undercover investigation.
Operation Something Bruin involved law enforcement from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, U.S. Forest Service, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
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