Bear getting in chicken pen is shot and euthanized, SC officials say. Man not charged
A black bear that was shot while trying to break into a South Carolina chicken pen had to be euthanized, officials said.
The man accused of shooting the animal isn’t facing charges, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources wrote July 3 on Twitter.
The case dates to June 16, when state biologists found an injured bear in a tree in a rural part of Dillon County. After the animal was pulled down, it was euthanized “due to the severity of the bear’s injury,” officials said.
Then, about two weeks later, the state wildlife agency shared an update.
“The 4th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, in cooperation with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, has decided not to prosecute a man who shot a black bear that was attempting to get into a chicken pen,” the agency wrote.
In response to a request for additional information, prosecutor Shipp Daniel told McClatchy News in an email that the man believed the bear “was a threat to his animals and could potentially be a threat to children who also lived in the neighborhood.”
“Law enforcement decided not to charge the man under several statutes, theories of law and common sense, namely that he was protecting his property,” Daniel wrote.
In South Carolina, black bears typically are found near the coast and in parts of the Upstate. The animals may be spotted in other areas as they look for food and places to live, wildlife officials said on their website.
Dillon County is roughly 60 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published July 7, 2023 at 11:40 AM.
