A Wetumpka man has been arrested and is now facing possible jail time and a minimum $2,000 fine as well as the loss of his hunting and fishing licenses after he shot and killed a black bear in Elmore County.
Michael Watkins, 32, was booked into the Elmore County Jail last week but has since posted bail, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said in a news release.
Matt Weathers, Chief of Enforcement with the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, wants the arrest to be an example of what can happen to anyone shooting one of the animals.
“Hopefully this arrest will send a message and deter future wildlife regulation violations related to Alabama’s black bear population,” said Weathers. “If you see a black bear, just leave it alone. We want them in Alabama.”
WFF gives these suggestions if encountering a bear:
- Do not be frightened
- Do not approach the animal
- Do not run from the bear; back away slowly
- Stand tall and upright and make loud noises
- Avoid direct eye contact with the bear
- Make sure the bear has an unobstructed direction to escape
- Never purposely feed a bear
The bear killed was a male and at least 3 years old, the Conservation Department said. Black bears are protected by state law due to low population numbers.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
