Black bear (Photo: WI DNR)
Officials with the Department of Natural Resources are asking for help finding out who illegally killed and beheaded a bear in northwestern Wisconsin.
The remains of the black bear were found in February after its headless body was dumped in a ditch in Somerset Township. DNR conservation warden Paul Sickman says they believe the 250 to 300 pound animal was shot while hibernating in a culvert a few miles away, then was moved and decapitated. Because of that, Sickman says it’s likely more than one person was involved in the poaching.
AUDIO: Warden Sickman (:18)
Sickman says they have checked with local taxidermists, but have had few leads so far. The Star Prairie Fish and Game Association is offering a $500 reward for any tip that helps convict those responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact the DNR Hotline at 1-800-TIP-WDNR.