Castle Creek Outfitters
Minnesota Black Bear and Whitetail Guide Service.
The illegal shooting and wounding
of a male black bear near Ely, Minn., has prompted rewards for information
leading to an arrest and conviction in the incident.
The Humane Society of the United
States and the society's Wildlife Land Trust are offering a $2,500 reward in
connection with the shooting June 9 near Eagle's Nest Township, west of Ely.
Also, the Turn In Poachers program in Minnesota is offering an additional $300.
The bear was shot in the hip area
and is expected to survive.
Under Minnesota law, shooting a
bear out of season carries a maximum penalty of $3,000 and a year in jail.
"Poaching is not only
callous and irresponsible, it's also a crime that all too often goes
unpunished," said Jill Fritz, Humane Society state director.
The
Anyone with information about
this case is asked to call the 24-hour Turn In Poachers hot line at 1-800-652-9093.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482