Dozens charged in NC, GA poaching operation

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Wildlife officers in North Carolina and Georgia say they have conducted an undercover operation that cracked down on poachers who were killing bears and other animals.

They say more than 80 people were involved in illegal activities that produced nearly 900 violations.

Officers began making arrests Tuesday.

The violations include illegal bear hunting and hunting on national forest lands without permits.

The four-year investigation targeted poachers in North Carolina and Georgia, with some work in neighboring states.

Officers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission infiltrated poaching circles to document violations.

The law enforcement chief for North Carolina's wildlife commission, Col. Dale Caveny, says the arrests should bring an immediate halt to the crimes.