Grizzly shooting charges dismissed

| September 7, 2011 12:51 PM

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho has announced that it is dismissing the pending misdemeanor criminal charge against Jeremy M. Hill for the killing of a grizzly bear on his Porthill property on May 8.

Hill agreed that, under provisions of the Endangered Species Act and related regulations, his actions that day constituted a violation of one of regulations authorized by the federal act.

These implementing regulations of the act prohibit removing nuisance bears, except

authorized by government authorities. Hill has been issued a notice of violation and paid

a $1,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced that dismissal of the criminal charge in favor of the citation was based in part on Hill’s prompt notification of his actions to Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials.

“The United States Attorney’s Office well understands Mr. Hill is a concerned husband and father who wants to protect his family,” said Olson. “Anyone who observes or hears of a grizzly bear near campsites or residences must immediately contact fish and wildlife officials. Federal, state and tribal officials are mandated to act immediately and effectively to remove grizzly bears from populated areas. These regulations are designed to ensure citizen safety and protect the grizzly bear, which has been designated a Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act.”

During the course of their investigation, state and federal wildlife officials were unable to establish the location of Hill’s children when the three grizzly bears were first sighted in the yard, about forty yards from his home.

Hill informed law enforcement that he last saw his children outside playing basketball in front of their home, but that he did not know where his children were when he saw the three grizzly bears near his pig pen.

He stated that he was concerned for his children’s welfare. By the time Hill fired the final shot, he was aware that all of his children and his wife were inside of their house, according to a press release.