Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Wildlife Agency officer Tony Cross was off duty when he responded to a call concerning shots fired in an area where a transient, male black bear had been spotted earlier. Wildlife officer Cross quickly found the bear and shooter near Old Snow Hill Road in Smithville, DeKalb County.
Wildlife officer Cross stated, “This is isn’t the kind of day I like.”
Officer Cross, a 24 year veteran with TWRA, believed the man had no intent of killing a bear when he left his house.
“I think he just shot before he thought of another solution,” said Officer Cross.
However, state laws were violated and the man was charged with shooting big game outside of the season. Additionally, there is not an open season for black bear in DeKalb County.
For more information on black bear or hunting seasons visit: tnwildlife.org