NEW: RI DEM K-9 Helps Find Loaded Shotgun Hidden by Poachers in Burrillville

NEW: RI DEM K-9 Helps Find Loaded Shotgun Hidden by Poachers in Burrillville

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is reporting that poachers were apprehended for deer hunting out of season on Sunday  — and that K9 “Bear” helped authorities.

The DEM said that on Sunday, Environmental Police Officers from DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement responded to Hill Road in Burrillville for a reporting hunters deer hunting out of season. 

The first officer on scene was able to make contact with two of the poachers but 4 others fled into the woods, hiding their shotguns as they ran. 

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K-9 Bear was called to the scene to assist with the search. Bear and his handler were able to locate 3 shotguns hidden under the snow and leaves in a bush, one of which was still loaded. 

A fourth hidden shotgun was located by Officers searching another area of the woods. 

Several citations were issued to the poachers that were apprehended and an investigation is underway to identify the rest of them.

DEM Appeals to Public

The DEM asked that people report violations. 

"Help us protect what is yours for future generations. Report violations to our 24 hours dispatch at (401) 222-3070," said RI DEM.