Wildlife Police Seek Poachers Who Killed Young Bear While Trespassing On Private Property

Wildlife officials in Washington are seeking the public’s help identifying two suspects who poached a young black bear on private property with clearly posted “no hunting” signs.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police said officers received a tip from a resident in Oso about two men allegedly hunting while trespassing on private property. A surveillance camera captured the incident shortly before 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20.

The video shows two men running up to a small bear lying dead in the grass. One man can be seen holding a firearm while the other picks up the bear. They can be heard “giggling” as the quickly leave the area with the bear.

Also in view in the video is a posted sign that says “no trespassing, hunting or fishing.” Wildlife officials said “several” such signs were visibly posted in the area.

“Although fall black bear season is open, the alleged subjects poached the black bear on clearly marked private property that they did not have permission to be on nor allows public hunting access,” WDFW Police said.

The agency is asking anyone with information about the incident, suspects, or the weapon shown in the video to call 877-933-9847, email WDFW’s poaching tip email reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov or send a text tip to 847411. A report can also be filed on WDFW’s website. Tips can be submitted anonymously.