Search underway for bear killer in Lake County

TAVARES, Fla. — A search is underway in Lake County Tuesday to find the person who shot and killed a bear, a spokesperson with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed to Channel 9’s Myrt Price. WARNING: some viewers may find the story and the pictures disturbing.

A couple found the bear dead in their yard in Tavares when they came home Monday.

Residents said at first they thought a car had hit the bear and it staggered into their yard. However, FWC told Eyewitness News that after further investigating, officials discovered the bear and been shot somewhere else and it died in the yard.

Amanda Coursey showed Eyewitness News the spot where she discovered a 500 pound bear lying in her yard.

"I didn't know if it had died or if it was just sick. So my husband came home and he could tell right away the bear wasn't breathing,” Coursey said.

Officers with FWC believe the bear killed was 8-to 10-years-old.

Neighbors said they would see the bear from time to time going through trash, but that the bear never bothered anyone and didn’t deserve to die.

"That bear didn't ask for it. He didn't hurt anybody and he shouldn't have been shot,” said neighbor Brenda Mulholland. "It’s very, very sad. Being a hunter's wife, I don't have a problem with hunting as long as you're using the meat for something. But to kill an innocent little, big bear I should say is very, very sad."

Eyewitness News found out that shooting and killing a bear without permission is a misdemeanor and violators could face a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail for the first offense.

Cox Media Group