North Ogden trapper accused of poaching

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OGDEN, Utah (AP) -- A North Ogden trapper is accused of killing far more than his limit of bobcats.

Jared Beal has been charged with 12 counts of wanton destruction of protected wildlife.

Bobcat pelts can be worth hundreds of dollars and in some cases more than $1,000, but trappers are limited to how many they can take.

Investigators say they were tipped off when Beal was selling 60 or more bobcat pelts a year in Wyoming, which has fewer restrictions on the taking of bobcats. The Wyoming pelts are not included in the charges.

Weber County Attorney Gary Heward says Beal had permits for only six bobcats during the most recent fur season, but used additional permits in the names of family and friends.

Beal declined comment Thursday. He is scheduled for arraignment June 26.

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Information from: Standard-Examiner