MENOMINEE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — A man in Menominee County is potentially facing charges after authorities say he illegally shot a mother bear that was with her cubs.
DNR Conservation Officer Steve Sajtar said he received a tip about the shooting and began investigating. After talking with several witnesses, he identified a suspect and went to the man’s home to follow up.
During the interview, the DNR said the suspect admitted to shooting the bear and also acknowledged that he did not report or register the kill within the required 72 hours, as state law requires.
The man was issued a misdemeanor citation for failing to register the bear. Authorities said they forwarded the case to the Menominee County Prosecutor’s Office, asking for additional charges for killing a female bear that was accompanied by cubs, which is illegal.
Officials say anyone who illegally kills or possesses a bear can be ordered to pay $3,500 per animal in restitution.
The case is now under review by the prosecutor’s office.