FORESTHILL, Calif. — A California woman’s peaceful walk was interrupted when she stumbled upon a gruesome sight.
The unnamed woman was walking with her children along a trail in Foresthill, California, when they saw a dead bear on the path, KOVR reported.
As the family got closer, they observed that the bear’s head and all four paws were missing.
Investigators plan to look to the black market to see if bear parts have been sold recently.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has launched an investigation into the incident, noting that such mutilation is uncommon, CNN reported.
Officials are also investigating how the animal died to determine whether a poaching crime was committed.