Connecticut Man Charged in Shooting of Black Bear [POLL]

At approximately 7:30 a.m., this morning — Tuesday, May 15 — officers from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Environmental Conservation Police responded to 4 Cobblestone Rd., Burlington, to investigate the report of a possible shooting of a black bear, according to investigate the report of a possible shooting of a Black Bear.
g to a press release from the DEEP.

The resident from that address contacted the Connecticut State Police reporting that they heard two gunshots, then saw a black bear come into their yard and lay down.

Upon arrival, EnCon officers found a dead black bear, a male weighing approximately 460 pounds, who had been shot.

The investigation lead to the arrest of Cory J, Maitz,  42, of 6 Cobblestone Road,  Burlington, on charges of illegally killing a black bear, a misdemeanor, and criminal possession of a pistol, a Class D felony.

Maitz allegedly shot the black bear with a pistol after it he had seen it enter his garage then go into his back yard. The bear and firearm were seized as evidence and are being held pending court action.

Maitz was released on a promise to appear at Bristol Superior Court on Monday, June 4, 2012.