DEC: Camper ticketed for shooting at a bear at Limekiln Lake Campground

HAMILTON COUNTY- A camper was issued tickets for possessing and discharging a firearm on a state campground last Thursday in the Western Adirondacks, authorities say.

It was shortly after 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31 when Forest Ranger Temple and the New York State Police were called out to Limekiln Lake Campground, near Inlet, NY.

Initial reports to dispatchers suggested that someone had shot at a bear. After speaking to campground staff and other visitors, Ranger Temple determined a 75-year-old camper used an air-horn, with aims of scaring off a bear that was raiding food out of a container. 

With an unsuccessful attempt using the air-horn, investigators say the camper then reportedly fired a gun in the bear's direction.

There is no indication the bear was struck or injured, police said at press time.

Tickets were issued to the 75-year-old camper, from Cuyler, NY, for possessing and discharging a firearm in a campground.

Furthermore, the camper was also evicted from the property.

DEC Bear image.