Probation for FL bear poacher

[Emily]

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida ... 86030.html

Man gets probation for killing black bear

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A southwest Florida man has pleaded guilty to fatally shooting a protected black bear on his property last year.

As part of a plea agreement, 40-year-old Kevin Doerr will serve two years probation and make a $500 donation to a wildlife conservation fund.

Doerr told officials that the bear wandered onto the property near his San Carlos Park home in May. The bear wasn't aggressive, but he thought it might go after chickens in pen. Doerr said he retrieved a .44 Magnum revolver from his home and shot the bear twice.

Doerr pleaded guilty Wednesday to killing a protected species, a third-degree felony. The charge carries a maximum five-year sentence, but the judge accepted the plea agreement.

Adjudication will be withheld, meaning the charge will not appear on his record.