https://www.wfla.com/news/highlands-county/sebring-man-charged-with-killing-black-bear-cub-in-illegal-trapping-attempt/?fbclid=IwAR1C0keu53m5T1Z72aEw14BwqGkBH38qWqvitnZsUdUzWCvKE3qONOXb6yk
11/30/2021
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has charged a Sebring man for shooting and killing a mother black bear and her cub while illegally trying to trap them without a permit.
FWC said John Falango, 43 of Sebring, shot and killed the two black bears in an illegal trapping attempt. Biologists and officers with FWC found the bears in the Sun ‘n Lake community in Sebring.
Officials said they were able to trap one uninjured cub after arriving at the scene, and released it after finding it to be healthy. An additional cub was reportedly seen in the area but was not able to be trapped or relocated.
Falango has been charged with four counts of unlawful taking of a bear during closed season, four counts of trying to take a black bear without authorization or permit, four counts of trying to take a bear cub or bear with one or more cubs, and four counts of trying to take a bear by illegal method.
FWC said the case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit. Falango will be arraigned on Dec. 1, according to FWC.