Charleston, WV (AP) -- A West Virginia man has pleaded no contest to a charge that he illegally trapped a black bear in Pendleton County last October.
Eugene Varner was charged following an investigation by Division of Natural Resources Conservation officers.
The bear was found by a hunter who reported the animal was trapped in Stoney Run area of Pendleton County.
DNR Conservation Officer Greg Chambers said the investigation revealed that Varner had made the trap and baited it to attract the animal.
The bear was set free and relocated.
Varner entered his plea last week in Pendleton County Magistrate Court.
The 46-year-old Sugar Grove man was fined $1,000 and court costs.
He also faces the possible loss of his hunting and fishing licenses for the next two years.
(Copyright 2009 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
