Poacher could face jail time after bear found dead at Colorado RV park, officials say

A bear was found shot to death near a Colorado RV park, officials said. Now a search is on for the poacher.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is searching for a person who illegally killed a black bear.

Wildlife officials were called to the Rio Grande River on Oct. 1 for a report of a dead bear.

“Officers found a 7- or 8-year-old sow in the river approximately 175 yards below the bridge at the RV park,” Parks and Wildlife said in a June 23 news release. “Officers determined the bear had been shot.”

Officials recovered an air rifle pellet from the bear’s chest. They determined the bear had been shot at least two days before it was found.

Since October, officials have investigated the incident. Now, they’re calling on the public for help.

“Willful destruction of a big-game animal is a felony in Colorado and can result in a lifetime suspension of hunting and fishing privileges,” wildlife manager Brent Woodward said in the news release. “Convictions could result in fines ranging from $750 to $3,000 and jail time, depending on the charge.”

People can report information by phone at 877-265-6648 or by email at game.thief@state.co.us.

This story was originally published June 23, 2022 at 1:18 PM with the headline "Poacher could face jail time after bear found dead at Colorado RV park, officials say."