Alaska Wildlife Troopers are investigating the case of a black bear that was shot and then the carcass was dumped overboard in an apparent attempt to conceal the kill.
It’s unclear when or where the bear was shot. But the animal was found July 30th – last Tuesday – floating near the AJ Dock and the Rock Dump. The 180-pound male appeared to be three- to five-years old before it was killed.
Lt. Steve Hall, Southeast detachment commander, says the bear appeared to have been shot several times in the head by a small caliber weapon. The bear was wrapped up in a tarp and tied to a small trailer axle that apparently was intended as an anchor weight.
It could be someone who dealt with a defense-of-life-or-property bear that didn’t report properly. Or, it could be someone that just — for whatever reason — killed a bear and then didn’t salvage it which would be a much larger deal.”
Hall estimates the carcass could’ve been in the water for about week.
He says anyone with information about the taking or dumping of the bear can call them at 465-4000.
Or, you can remain anonymous and call the Alaska Wildlife Safeguard Hotline toll free at 1-800-478-3377. If the information leads to the conviction of someone responsible for taking or wasting the bear, then the tipster could be eligible for a cash reward.
