FROM THE HILLS OF WESTERN MARYLAND  (Oct. 26, 2007)  On Friday, Oct. 19, the Maryland Natural Resources Police charged a Pennsylvania man with possession of a black bear during closed season.

Telford McNeal Hoover, 52, of Confluence, Pa. was charged after NRP responded to a report of a trash bag containing a partial black bear carcass which was found in the parking lot of the Keyser’s Ridge Auto/Truck Stop on Oct. 17. An investigation ensued and with the assistance of the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Hoover was located, interviewed and charged with possession of black bear during closed season and littering.

Hoover allegedly picked up the bear in Pennsylvania after it was struck and killed by another vehicle because he wanted the meat. After skinning the bear, he dumped the carcass in Maryland because it had Pennsylvania ear tags. A court date of Feb. 1, 2008 has been scheduled for Hoover in Garrett County District Court.