Georgia Department of Natural Resources is asking for information regarding the illegal killing of a female black bear in Murray County.

The incident occurred on USFS property in the Peoples Lake area on Buck Creek Road. The bear was killed while hibernating in a den with her new born cubs. It is suspected the cubs could be in the possession of the perpetrator/s.

The incident occurred around the last week of February. At the time of this release the cubs should be approximately three pounds.

Some information has come forward and there may be the possibility that these cubs and the perpetrator/s are in the Blue Ridge/Epworth area of Fannin County.

Cpl. Casey Jones said, "We did have two cubs dropped off in Mccayesville GA, at a veterinarian's office, Monday morning. We would like for anyone with information of anyone who was/is in possession of these cubs or anyone who has information pertaining to who killed the mother bear to contact us."

If anyone has any information regarding this incident or information of anyone in possession of black bear cubs please contact Cpl. Casey Jones or Sgt. John Vanlandingham per our Turn in Poachers hot line at 1-800-241-4113 or our Region 1 Law Enforcement office at 706-624-1367.

There is a reward for anyone who has information leading to the conviction of the perpetrator/s.