Officials say three black bears have been found shot to death in the last few weeks, one each in McCreary, Wayne, and Harlan counties.
Black bears are considered protected in Kentucky. In fact, they're making a comeback here, after almost disappearing from a loss of habitat.
This is the time of year when black bears in the wild are on the move, especially during the current drought. They're looking for water, and food, which hasn't been plentiful.
Sometimes bears wander near homes, which scares some people. But the recent killings so no evidence the shots were fired out of fear.
Killing a bear is against the law. If you have any information about bear poaching, you're asked to call Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.