January 2008 Asheville Field Office press releases, story ideas, and media advisories

January 24, 2008
Reward Offered for Information About Black Bear Killed on the Blue Ridge Parkway

John Garrison, Blue Ridge Parkway, 828/271-4779
Tom Chisdock, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 828/258-2084

A reward of up to $3,500 is offered for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the November 2nd unlawful killing of a black bear near milepost 430, between Balsam and Highway 215 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County.

The illegal take of the black bear is the subject of a joint investigation between the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and brings a maximum civil penalty of up to a $10,000 fine and a criminal penalty of up to a $100,000 fine and one year in prison.

The Fish & Wildlife Service has contributed $2,500 to the reward fund, with the North Carolina Bear Hunter’s Association contributing $500, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation another $500.

Anyone with information concerning the killing is asked to call Blue Ridge Parkway Ranger Chip Buchanan at 828/456-9530 Ext. 112 or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Special Agent Tom Chisdock at 828/258-2084. Callers may remain anonymous.

-FWS-