Nine individuals are accused of illegally baiting, taking and abusing Florida black bears in multiple counties across Florida, using hunting dogs to maul the bears after luring them into traps.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution arrested the individuals on a slew of charges after a year-long investigation.
The suspects and their charges are as follows:
According to FWC, the defendants coaxed black bears in with dog food, doughnuts, pastries and peanut butter. Once they lured the bears in, FWC says the suspects used large packs of dogs to chase and maul them in various areas throughout Baker, Flagler, Marion and Union counties.
The defendants posted numerous videos of the acts on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat according to officials. In the videos, none of the individuals involved tried to call off the dogs or stop the attack on the bears.
“Not only were these gruesome acts of violence repulsive and cruel, they were recorded and posted to social media for the amusement of the defendants," said Attorney General Pam Bondi in a press conference. "I doubt they are laughing any longer, now that they have been arrested for serious crimes.”
The charges consist of several felonies and misdemeanors including Animal Cruelty, Illegal Taking and Baiting of Black Bear and Florida RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) Act violations.
The public can help by reporting suspected violations to the FWC. To make a report, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), text or email Tip@MyFWC.com or visitMyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.