'Self defense' says Ohio man who killed black bear
BAKERSVILLE, Ohio—An eastern Ohio man says he killed a black bear in self defense because the animal charged at him -- but he's been charged with shooting an endangered animal.
John Tanksley says his dog tried to chase the bear away from his property at Newcomerstown in Coshocton (kuh-SHAHK'-tuhn) County but the animal kept coming back.
He says that when he and his girlfriend tried to get the dog back in the house on Wednesday the bear charged at them.
State wildlife officer Garth Goodyear describes the bear as "man-size" and weighing 165 pounds.
If Tanksley is convicted of the misdemeanor offense he could get up to one year behind bars and be fined $1,000.
------
Information from: The Columbus Dispatch: http://www.dispatch.com/
© Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
