PETA ups the ante for dead grizzly bear case

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) -

PETA is getting involved in a case of possible poaching in Wyoming. The grizzly that was killed on the Crow Creek drainage area on the Wind River Reservation, found on September 9th, is still being investigated. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has offered a reward of $2,000 for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction to the person or people responsible for the death. PETA has now added to the reward, offering their own $5,000, increasing the total possible reward to $7,000.

PETA’s Emergency Response Division Manager, Kristin Rickman, shared a little more about the collaboration. The grizzly bear has been classified as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act since 1975, and for killing a bear in this area, there can be up to $25,000 in fines and up to five years in prison.

Rickman stated, “This bear was most likely just minding his or her own business. It’s so important for folks to make sure that they’re following all the proper precautions and not end up in a situation where they may interact with a bear.” Officials from Game and Fish believe the bear might have been the victim of poachers, but have not made any arrests since the bear was found on September 9th.

Rickman noted there are cases of self-defense with bears, but there are almost always ways to avoid the situation altogether. “There can be an exemption under the law for legitimate self defense, but I would also urge folks to make sure that they’re engaging in all the bear safe precautions that they need to engage in, as far as containment of food, being aware of their surroundings, and being aware of the season,” added Rickman.

Although the gender of the bear has not been released at this time, PETA officials added that grizzly bear moms are not only fiercely protective of their young, but they teach them survival skills, and nurse them for up to three years.

“If this bear was a female, there could possibly be cubs out there who have been orphaned and are vulnerable. That’s all due to the selfishness and the bloodthirst of someone who wanted to harm this animal,” emphasized Rickman. If you have any information, you can contact the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe Tribes Game and Fish Department at 307-330-3208 or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent at 307-332-7607 or by emailing lawenforcement@fws.gov.

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