COURTLAND—Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries Conservation Police Officers are investigating a bear carcass left in a ditch on the side of Millfield Road.

The head and back paws of the bear had been removed from the animal, which officers determined had been killed by buckshot.

It is believed to have been dumped late Saturday night on Nov. 30, and was retrieved by an officer on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Although firearms bear season is currently ongoing — Dec. 2 to 7 in Southampton County — this bear was killed prior to bear season.

Ron Messina of the Virginia Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries says possible charges for this incident include killing a bear out of season and wanton waste of an animal. Fines could run to $2,000.

If you have any information on this crime, contact the Wildlife Crime Line at 1-800-237-5712.