SYLVA, N.C. (AP) — Wildlife officers have charged a Jackson County man with killing a bear in a tree near his property.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reported Thursday that John Caplinger of Sylva was charged with taking a bear during a closed hunting season after he shot the bear Sunday.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources biologist Mike Carraway says the animal had previously been in Caplinger's yard and left bite marks on a container of chicken feed and a dog food feeder. Caraway said it is illegal to kill a bear unless it is causing significant property damage or is threatening a person's life.

Caplinger could be required to pay a bear replacement fee of $2,200 and fined up to $2,000 plus court costs if he is convicted.

It was unclear if Caplinger has an attorney.

___

Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, http://www.citizen-times.com