The severely injured female Louisiana black bear was found near Lydia in Iberia Parish and reported to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on Sunday, Jan. 10.
LDWF Large Carnivore Biologist Maria Davidson went to the location and found the bear in such poor condition it could no longer survive in the wild. The bear was taken to LDWF Headquarters for examination and evaluation.
Due to the extent of its injuries and near-death condition the bear was euthanized on Tuesday, Jan. 12. LDWF Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour performed a necropsy on the bear and determined it had been shot.
LDWF Enforcement Division agents are investigating the case and asking anyone with any information to come forward.
“We suspect the bear did not travel very far from where it was shot,” Lt. Col. Keith LaCaze said. “Someone in the Coulee Road area knows what happened and we hope they will step up and help.”
Killing a bear is a state and federal offense with penalties up to $25,000 in fines and jail time. This is the seventh Louisiana black bear killed in recent months.
Anyone with any information regarding this or any other wildlife crime should call LDWF’s 24-hour toll free hotline at 800-442-2511.
Cash rewards offered through Louisiana Operation Game Thief, Inc. can total up to $5,000 for information leading to the apprehension of individuals harming a black bear. Callers may remain anonymous.
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