Wilton Bear Killings Spark Protest Plans: Report

WILTON, CT — Outraged residents are planning to protest at Norwalk Superior Court after two young bears were killed by two men in Wilton, reports The Hour. Marguerite O'Connor of Wilton filed permits with the Norwalk mayor's office, and asked for them to be expedited in time for the Sept. 28 hearing.

Antonio Lio, 28, and Daniel Moran, 33, were arrested Saturday after environmental police found them carrying dismembered bear parts out of the woods. First Selectman Lynn Vanderslice posted in a local Facebook group page that the town government shared the public's "outrage and concern."

Both Vanderslice and O'Connor referred to the incident as poaching.

WTNH reports Lio shot a bear with a bow and arrow as it walked under his tree stand, and shot a second bear that approached him while checking on the first bear. WTNH also reports the two skinned the first bear, and cut off its paws and head for a trophy mount.

Lio was charged with two counts of illegal taking of a black bear and negligent hunting in the fourth degree. Moran was charged with conspiracy to commit illegal taking of a black bear. Both were released on cash bonds.

Read more from the Norwalk Hour here.

Image via the National Parks Service. (Image not of bears in question)