Wildlife Agents in Louisiana Asking For Help From the Public in Identifying Person Responsible For Shooting a Black Bear

Lincoln Parish, Louisiana – Wildlife agents in Louisiana are asking for the public’s help in identifying the person responsible for shooting a black bear.

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), investigators are asking for information concerning a Louisiana Black Bear discovered with a fatal gunshot wound in Lincoln Parish on May 12, 2023.

Agents and biologists from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries responded to a report of a dead black bear near Millie Road in Ruston, Louisiana. Agents and biologists discovered the dead bear on the night of May 12, and it had been shot.

Authorities are asking that anyone with information about this illegal killing contact the Louisiana Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511 or use the LDWF’s tip411 program. Citizens can use the tip411 service by texting LDWF and their tip to 847411 or by downloading the free “LADWF Tips” iPhone and Android app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Operation Game Thief is offering up to a $1,000 prize for information leading to an arrest in this case.

The hotline and tip411 programs are monitored around the clock. Informants can remain anonymous if they so desire.

Taking a bear during a closed season is punishable by a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Anyone found guilty of shooting this black bear faces civil restitution in the amount of $10,000 for the replacement value of the illegally killed black bear.