Mystery Surrounds Plastic-Wrapped Black Bear Found Dead on Virginia Hiking Trail

Animal control officers in Virginia are seeking information from the public after a black bear was found dead inside a plastic bag on Friday night.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) said an animal control officer was dispatched to the area of Spout Run Parkway near North Adams Street at around 8:30 p.m. Friday after a resident reported a suspected deceased dog inside a plastic bag near a walking trail.

Animal Control Deputy Karina Swetnam arrived to find the dead animal was in fact an adult black bear. Chief of Animal Control Jennifer Toussaint responded to the scene to assist, along with a Conservation Police Officer from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

The bear was finally removed from the scene in the early hours Saturday for forensic investigation. Officials did not reveal a suspected cause of death.

AWLA is asking anyone with information about the incident, or who witnessed anyone carrying a large plastic bag in the area any time in the last few weeks, to contact AWLA at 703-931-9241 or email animalcontrol@awla.org.

In the state of Virginia, killing a black bear is only permissible if the bear has injured or is injuring a person, and the person who kills the bear must report the incident to state conservation authorities.

--with reporting by TMX

Tags

Virginia, Black Bear, Plastic bag