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Michigan Hunter Charged In Shooting Death Of Mother Bear

COLFAX TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - A 27-year-old western Michigan hunter has been charged in the fatal shooting of a black bear that was accompanied by her three cubs.

WOOD-TV reports Friday that the man is from the Zeeland area and is described by the state officials as an experienced hunter.

He had a valid license to hunt during Oceana County's bear season, but it's illegal to shoot a mother bear that's with her cubs.

Prosecutors charged him with one count of illegally taking a bear. The charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine and restitution. He also could lose his state hunting licenses for the next three years.

His name was not released.

The bear was shot Sept. 23 northwest of Grand Rapids in Colfax Township.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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