BLECKLEY COUNTY, Ga. — We see videos and pictures of bears on social media regularly, whether they're stuck in trees or swimming in water.
On Monday, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources posted one, showing a bear that was shot.
Game warden Josh Cockrell says he and two other wardens went to the site in Bleckley County and later found two men responsible.
"We found out through our investigation who it was and they were cited for killing a bear out of season," Cockrell said.
The state says they are David Boday of Byron and Kirby Smith from Cochran. Bleckley County probate court says the two must appear in court, and that's when their citation amounts will be set.
Cockrell says this is standard.
"No jail time. It's just a citation unless there's more to come on the case, like if he's a felon or if more things have occurred in the past on hunting violations," he said.
Cockrell says out of the 31 counties within the DNR's region four, there are three counties that have the highest bear population — Bibb, Houston, and Twiggs. He says there's only one day a year where it's legal to hunt here.
This year, that day falls on Saturday, Dec. 21. Cockrell says it's important to obey the laws, so you don't get cited.
"Make sure you know when the bear day is because last year, it was in January and now it's in December. So just make sure you know the day and how many you can shoot, stuff like that," Cockrell said.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says the citation amount varies from county to county. The county courts are the ones who set the amounts.
MORE RELATED HEADLINES
STAY ALERT | Download our FREE app now to receive breaking news and weather alerts. You can find the app on the Apple Store and Google Play.
STAY UPDATED | Click here to subscribe to our Midday Minute newsletter and receive the latest headlines and information in your inbox every day.
Have a news tip? Email news@13wmaz.com, or visit our Facebook page.