Louisiana Man Arrested After Allegedly Killing a Black Bear

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - An Abbeville man was arrested after he allegedly shot and killed a female black bear.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries announced on social media that Shannon R. Parker, 50, of Abbeville was arrested after a 200-pound black bear was killed near Palmetto Island State Park on or about Feb. 28–March 1.

The LDWF said in their social media post:

"Parker admitted to shooting at a dark silhouette he believed to be a wild hog, failing to properly identify his target. He also lacked the required permissions and notifications for night hunting. He now faces multiple charges, including taking a bear during a closed season and failing to comply with hunting regulations."

If you recall, the state of Louisiana announced that it held a Black Bear hunting season in 2024 and will host another season later this year. The Black Bear was removed from the endangered species list after a boom in population across the state.

This year, the LDWF will expand to 26 tags from Dec. 6–21, when the 2025 season starts. Those who wish to participate in the hunting season will have to apply for a special license and permit with the LDWF.

Here's the post by the agency announcing the killing of the black bear out of hunting season.