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HILLSBORO, MO (KTVI) - The Missouri Department of Conservation says a black bear was poached in Jefferson County. Investigators say the bear did not act aggressivly but was shot and killed. Evidence gathered by Conservation Department agents may lead to charges against the suspect identified in this case.

Black bears are a protected species in Missouri and may not be hunted or killed. A release from the Conservation Department states:

According The Wildlife Code of Missouri, a black bear may be killed only with prior consent of a conservation agent if it is causing damage to property, or without prior permission if it is attacking people, domestic animals or livestock. Any black bear killed under this rule must be reported immediately and the remains surrendered to a conservation agent.

Please call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-392-1111 if you have information about a wildlife violation. Information can be given anonymously or a name maybe be given for a possible reward of up to $1,000 in the case of criminal activity.