Men Sought for Black Bear Poaching on Private Property in Washington
Authorities are searching for two individuals caught on video illegally killing and removing a black bear from private land near Oso, Washington.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has initiated an urgent search for two men seen on video killing and poaching a black bear from private property. The incident occurred near Oso, Washington, and came to the attention of authorities after a resident reported it on September 20.
Video footage shows two men, dressed in hunting attire and wearing caps, arriving at the location around 7:00 p.m. The bear was already deceased when they arrived. One of the men is seen dragging the animal and carrying it away, while the other man, holding a rifle, appears to be watching. Both individuals are heard giggling in the video before they leave the scene.
The WDFW stated that the men took the bear from an area where "no trespassing or hunting" signs were clearly posted. Despite the fall black bear season being open, the suspects allegedly poached the bear on private property without permission and without authorization for public hunting access.
Becky Elder, a spokesperson for WDFW police, emphasized the seriousness of poaching, noting that it often goes undetected and that public tips are crucial for investigations. She indicated that charges could include hunting while trespassing, a misdemeanor offense that carries penalties of up to a $500 fine and one year in jail. Convicted individuals may also face revocation of their hunting licenses and additional suspensions.
The bear in the video is believed to be approximately two years old and not a cub. The Washington Big Game Hunting season for black bears runs from August 1 to November 15. Hunters are required to possess a license and a hunting tag, and are permitted to pursue up to two black bears, extracting a tooth from each for submission according to regulations.
WDFW police are urging anyone with information regarding the identities of the men, the weapon shown in the video, or the whereabouts of the bear to contact them.