Who is Paul Stromberg? Colorado man faces felony charges for killing and dumping mother bear and her 2 cubs
SALIDA, COLORADO: Paul Stromberg, 52, a Colorado man has been arrested for shooting mother bear and her two cubs dead on September 25.
The bodies of three bears – a mother and two cubs –were recovered following an anonymous an tipoff on Friday, September 29.
They were found dumped on state trust land southeast of Salida, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a news release.
How was Paul Stromberg arrested?
Following the investigation and unearthing evidence, the officers were led to a property near Howard.
The officers had obtained a search warrant and searched the home on Saturday. There they found the evidence that the bears had been shot on September 25.
After executing the search and arrest warrant, Paul Stromberg was arrested and taken into custody.
However, the officers didn't reveal more information about the incident, the Denver Post reports.
What charges is Paul Stromberg facing?
The 52-year-old faces charges of illegal destruction of wildlife, a felony.
Besides he was charged with several misdemeanors, including unlawful killing of wildlife without a license, unlawful possession and waste of game meat.
Stromberg was taken to Fremont County Jail and later released on a $10,000 bond. Pending formal charges. His next court date is October 11, online court records show as per the publication.
Because this is an ongoing investigation, CPW reportedly will not share any further information on the case.
What sentence can Paul Stromberg get if convicted?
Black bears are protected by both federal and state regulations, especially cubs.
"Anyone illegally injuring or killing wildlife could face misdemeanour charges including harassment of wildlife, hunting big game without a license, illegal taking of wildlife and reckless endangerment among other charges," Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in the statement.
Convictions could result in fines and surcharges ranging from $750 to $13,000 and up to six months in jail, depending on the charge, as per Daily Record.
The CPW has said that anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact CPW at its Salida office at 719-530-5520.
To provide information anonymously about a wildlife violation, the public can contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648, by dialing #OGT from a Verizon cellphone, or by email at game.thief@state.co.us. Rewards are available if the information leads to an arrest or citation.