Accused: Scott Keefer and Aaron Roucoulet
KILLINGTON — Two Killington men have been cited by Vermont state game wardens for illegally shooting two bears.
Earlier in August, State Game Warden Timothy Carey responded to a report of a dead bear found in the backyard of a Killington residence. The bear had been shot with a rifle.
On Friday, Aug. 22, state game wardens executed a search of a nearby residence. Evidence seized as well as information collected during the investigation resulted in two arrests.
Scott Keefer, 24, and Aaron Roucoulet, 20, both of Killington were cited for each taking a bear by illegal means. Keefer and Roucoulet will be arraigned in Rutland Superior Court, Criminal Division on Oct. 20.
Vermont law allows for the taking of bears doing damage in specific circumstances, but makes no allowances for killing bears getting into trash or walking on private property. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department provides extensive information and resources regarding how to resolve human bear conflicts. This information is available at www.vtfishandwildlife.com or by calling 802-828-1000.
Vermont’s two regulated bear hunting seasons this year are Sept. 1- Nov. 14, and Nov. 15-23.
Report fish or wildlife violations by calling 1-800-75ALERT (1-800-752-5378) or online at www.vtfishandwildlife.com/laws_thief.cfm. Rewards are paid for information leading to an arrest.
