A Vermont man has been charged by the state Fish and Wildlife Department with intentionally feeding bears.
Jeffrey Messier of Montgomery was charged after a game warden received a report of a bear being killed in self-defense at a neighbor's last month. The bear had many sunflower seeds in its stomach.
The warden went to the 54-year-old Messier's home and found a bear walking around the property. The bear wasn't afraid and walked right up to the warden, then approached a picnic table where sunflower seeds were placed.
Bear biologist Forrest Hammond says a bear that's been fed by humans soon loses its shyness and can become dangerous.
If convicted Messier, could face a fine of up to $1,000 and a one-year revocation of his hunting, fishing and trapping licenses.
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