Wyoming Federal Judge Sentences Man For Killing Grizzly Bear

A federal judge sentenced a man to five years of probation for killing a grizzly bear in northwestern Wyoming last year.

Besides probation, U.S. District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl ordered William Kenneth Stoner to pay $25,000 in restitution, pay a $5,000 fine, undergo cognitive/behavioral treatment, and pay special assessments of $110.

Wyoming U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman Mark Trimble said in an email that Stoner was hunting for black bear in Park County.

On May 21, Stoner, shot and killed a bear. He took the bear to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department office in Cody to be registered in conformance with Wyoming law.

A deparment officer realized the bear was actually a female grizzly bear, listed on the Endangered Species List, and not a black bear.

The U.S. Attorney's Office filed a criminal information document on Aug. 8. Stoner also was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The killing of the bear is punishable by up to six months of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $25,000.

Being a felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $275,000.

Stoner pleaded guilty to both counts on Oct. 11.