California officials rule out poaching in bear death

CALIFORNIA – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced September 9 that reports of a poached bear in Eureka have been resolved.

Officers found the bear had not been poached but was humanely euthanized after severe injuries, likely from a vehicle strike.

On September 3, CDFW received a Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters (CALTIP) report alleging two bears shot near Ridgewood Drive, south of Eureka.

Neighbors reported hearing gunshots overnight on August 30, raising poaching concerns. A CDFW officer found no bear carcasses or evidence after interviewing witnesses and canvassing the area.

Bear walked in circles, couldn’t avoid traffic

Further investigation revealed that, in the early morning of August 31, law enforcement partners from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) jointly responded to reports of an injured bear repeatedly entering the roadway on Ridgewood Drive.

The bear had severe head trauma, walked in circles, and couldn’t avoid traffic.

CHP officers humanely euthanized the injured adult male bear at 4:30 a.m. Witness reports of three gunshots matched the number of rounds fired.

Resident and official interviews confirmed a single bear, which Humboldt County Road Services removed on September 2. No evidence supports claims of a second bear or illegal poaching.

CDFW thanks the community for reporting suspected poaching and pollution, helping protect California’s natural resources.

CALTIP Hotline

CALTIP is a confidential 24/7 hotline for reporting wildlife crimes. Anyone with information about potential violations is urged to call 1-888-334-CALTIP (888-334-2258).