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Washington woman fined $500 for feeding bears

Washington wildlife officials say they've had to trap seven bears that became a dangerous nuisance in her neighborhood.

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Patrick Dodson/The Daily Gazette/AP
A black bear hides in a tree behind a home at the Sunrise Estates development in Rotterdam, N.Y. on Oct. 11. The animal was tranquilized by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officials.
  • By Staff Associated Press

| LONG BEACH, Wash.

A woman on trial for feeding bears in her neighborhood in Washington state has agreed to stop and pay a fine to settle the case.

The Daily News reports that Doris Berryhill Parks was the first person charged under a 2012 state law that makes it a misdemeanor to feed wild animals.

Under the agreement, Berryhill Parks pays a $500 fine and promises not to leave food outside her Ilwaco home. That means no pet food or bird feeders, and she must keep her garbage cans secure.

Washington wildlife officials say they've had to trap seven bears that became a dangerous nuisance in her neighborhood.

Wednesday's agreement came after five hours of testimony before a judge in Pacific County District Court in Long Beach. If Berryhill Parks fails to comply, she would be subject to a 90-day jail sentence.

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