Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation officials said they are opening an investigation into the death of a young bear.
Game Warden Cody Moore said he was contacted by the Mayes County Sheriff's Office after a young black bear was shot Tuesday evening near Pryor.
Moore said they know who shot the bear and they are cooperating with the investigation.
"Bears are a protected species, but it is not against the law to defend yourself or someone else against a bear," Moore said. "Our investigation is trying to determine if this person was acting in self defense or hunted the bear."
Moore said it'll be up to the Mayes County District Attorney's Office to determine if this is a crime.
The Wildlife Department's investigation should be completed by the end of next week, Moore said.
The bear will have an autopsy, Moore said.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
