Black bear found dead in plastic bag near trail, authorities investigating

WASHINGTON DC (WKRC) – A black bear was found dead in a plastic bag near a trail Friday.

According to a post from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, around 8:30 p.m., the organization's animal control department was dispatched to a trail due to reports of a deceased dog in a plastic bag. However, upon arrival at the scene, an official identified the animal as an adult black bear.

Authorities wrote that the bear was examined and removed for further examination. The organization asked anyone who has seen one or more individuals carrying large plastic bags in the past two weeks to reach out.

A senior communications specialist spoke with USA today, calling the incident “very unusual.” The specialist told the outlet that the bear weighed at least several hundred pounds and was only removed around 1 a.m. Saturday.

The specialist said USA today that it is unclear whether the bear died of natural causes or was killed by humans, adding that if it is determined that the bear was indeed killed, it could be considered a crime.

Virginia law states that a person may only kill a black bear if the bear has injured or attempts to harm a person or if a person pursues a bear immediately after harming or attempting to harm a person. In the event that an individual kills a black bear for the above reasons, they should report the incident to a State Conservation Police officer.

“We believe all living animals deserve our respect. And I hope we can understand what happened and prevent it from happening again,” said Chelsea Jones, senior communications specialist for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. USA Today.