Black bear shot and killed in Marion County near Ocala National Forest

SALT SPRINGS, Florida. – A bear cub was found shot to death in Marion County and an investigation is underway.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has confirmed that a black bear cub was found shot to death in Salt Springs near the Ocala National Forest.

The homeowner who found the bear cub dead told FOX 35 News that she and her neighbors heard gunshots Wednesday night, but didn't know what happened at the time. Then the homeowner found the bear's carcass on Thursday.

Earlier this month, a black bear was found shot to death in an Apopka neighborhood. The Apopka homeowner who found the bear said he was taking his dogs for a walk outside when he saw the 500-pound bear lying in his grass. His wife called law enforcement and the FWC arrived to investigate and remove the bear.

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“To me, it's very depressing and heartbreaking because, to me, it was a majestic animal,” owner Bill Lueckfeld said earlier this month. “It’s very upsetting to see something like that because we love seeing these animals, but we don’t like seeing them that way.”

On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a controversial bill allowing Floridians to shoot and kill black bears on their property to defend themselves or their property, similar to Stand Your Ground Defense.

Supporters of the newly signed law say Floridians have the right to protect themselves. While opponents fear it would lead to bear deaths unnecessarily and could put innocent people in danger.

The law will come into force on July 1. Anyone who kills a bear must notify FWC within 24 hours of the bear's death and cannot keep or sell the bear carcass.

If you have information on who shot the bear cub in Salt Springs, call the Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submit a tip at MyFWC.com/ WildlifeAlert.