‘Frightened’ Hudson Valley Man Charged After Killing Bear

A Hudson Valley man learned the hard way that just being frightened of a bear isn't a good enough reason to shoot it.

The NY State Department of Environmental Conservation announced that an Orange County homeowner has been charged with Illegal Taking of Protected Wildlife and Discharging a Firearm on/across a Public Roadway after shooting and killing a bear near his home.

The unnamed Tuxedo man told authorities that he shot and killed a bear that he believed was going to attack his son. After further investigation it was determined that the man's son was inside the home and not in any danger from the bear. Furthermore, the bear was shot in the road in front of the man's home.

Officers explained to the suspect that "he could not just shoot bears because he is afraid of them and must contact the local police and DEC to report bear issues."

The homeowner was issued appearance tickets for the two misdemeanors, and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Tuxedo Court.