Latest news with #GeorgiaDNR
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
12 BUIs, 2 boating accidents over Memorial Day Weekend in Georgia
The Brief The Georgia DNR reported 12 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests statewide on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, with the highest number in Region 4 (Metter). Two boating accidents occurred: one involving a sunken vessel on the Savannah River and another jet-drive boat crash on Jekyll Creek; no injuries were reported. The boating activity report covers May 24–26, with more data expected in an updated release on Monday. ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has released its first report on boating activity for the 2025 Memorial Day weekend. RELATED: Life jackets and seatbelts: Georgia officials urging safety ahead of holiday What we know A total of 12 BUI (boating under the influence) incidents have been reported – 3 in Region 1 (Acworth); 2 in Region 3 (Thomson); 5 in Region 4 (Metter); 1 in Region 5 (Albany); and 1 in Region 6 (Brunswick). In Region 4, around 8 p.m., game wardens patrolling the Savannah River spotted floating debris and discovered a sunken vessel near a boat landing. Investigators determined that the operator fell into the water while attempting to trailer the boat. Although he was able to stop the engine, the vessel took on water and sank. The man swam to shore and was later located by game wardens. He was arrested for boating under the influence (BUI). In Region 6, shortly after 11 p.m., wardens responded to a single-vessel crash on Jekyll Creek in Glynn County. A jet-drive dual-console boat had struck the Jekyll Jetties and came to a stop roughly 20 yards into a marsh on an oyster bed. All four individuals on board were accounted for, and no injuries were reported. The state's Memorial Day boating activity report covers the period from 12:01 a.m. on May 24 through 11:59 p.m. on May 26. Additional data, including Sunday figures, will be released in an updated report on Monday.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man charged in death of mother bear in Pickens County community
The Brief A North Georgia resident is facing charges for shooting a bear near his home in Pickens County, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources filing charges and citing community rule violations. The resident admitted to shooting the bear after it visited his home multiple times, agitating his dogs, and claimed he feared for his safety; he was advised not to shoot the bear but did not call public safety for assistance. Investigators found no damage to the property and noted potential bear attractants, such as cat food and greasy grills, which may have drawn the bear to the area. PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. - A North Georgia resident is facing charges following the deadly shooting of a bear near his home in the Bent Tree community in Pickens County, authorities confirmed this week. SEE ALSO: Mother bear killing in Pickens County sparks investigation, community outcry What we know According to the community's official public safety Facebook page, the incident happened on the night of May 15, but it wasn't until the next morning that a passerby spotted the dead bear near Oglethorpe Mountain Road. Officials said the body was discovered roughly 75 to 100 feet from the shooter's residence, with two cubs seen nearby. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has filed charges against the resident, who has not been publicly named. The individual has also been cited for violations of Bent Tree community rules. Dig deeper According to Bent Tree Public Safety, the resident admitted to shooting the bear with a .22 caliber firearm from a side window of his home around 10 p.m. on May 15. He told investigators the bear had visited his home three times that evening, each time agitating his dogs and tapping on his glass door. The resident said he initially tried to scare the bear by banging on the door, and using his car alarm. On its third visit, he claimed he feared for his safety and fired a shot at the bear's rear to drive it off. The man showed officials a video recorded earlier that evening, which depicted the bear standing on the edge of his porch with an empty cat food bowl in front of it. The bear swiped at the door once while the resident's dogs barked from inside. Roughly 45 minutes before the reported shooting, the resident texted the video to an off-duty public safety employee, asking if he could shoot the animal. He was told he could not shoot the bear and was advised to call public safety for assistance. No such call was made, and the shooting went unreported until the following day. Officials said there was no visible damage to the resident's property and confirmed that the bear never entered the home. Investigators also noted the presence of potential bear attractants on the property, including cat food, greasy grills, and other debris. What we don't know The exact wound location on the bear has not been disclosed. The resident claimed he was unaware the bear had cubs. The name of the homeowner has not been released. Click to open this PDF in a new window. What you can do Authorities remind residents that while bears in the area are typically non-aggressive, they are wild animals. The community is encouraged to visit for tips on safely coexisting with local wildlife. The Source The Bent Tree Safety and Emergency Management is the source for this article. FOX 5 has also reached out to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for comment.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Second case of ‘zombie deer disease' confirmed in GA
Georgia wildlife officials confirmed a second deer has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease. Channel 2 Action News reported on the first 'zombie deer disease' case in Lanier County back in January. On Tuesday, officials said a 4-and-a-half-year-old buck was taken in Berrien County. Officials said the locations where both deer were found are approximately 400 yards apart. Chronic Wasting Disease, more commonly called 'zombie deer disease,' is deadly to deer, elk, and moose. There are no treatments for the disease. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] While there's no reported case of a human contracting disease from infected deer, like Mad Cow Disease, it can't be completely ruled out. 'I want to assure our hunters that deer hunting will continue to thrive in Georgia, despite this current discovery,' Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia DNR said in January after the first positive case was discovered. 'Working together with our hunters and all Georgians, we will manage CWD and maintain healthy deer herds.' Health officials warn that people should not eat venison from an infected deer. For more information about Georgia's CWD Response Plan, visit TRENDING STORIES: Veteran Atlanta Country music radio personality 'Cadillac Jack' has died at age 51 Paramedic accused of assaulting patient in ambulance in Cobb County Mother describes horrifying moments as she watched her SUV burst into flames along GA 400 [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
2 disappear from boat found circling on Lake Oconee
Two boaters disappeared on Lake Oconee on Saturday. Officials have recovered one of their bodies, but crews are searching the lake for the other victim. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said its game wardens were told about a boat circling on Lake Oconee near Wallace Dam late Saturday afternoon. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] They found the boat, which no longer had power, and learned from witnesses that a man and woman had been on the boat earlier that day. Neither of them could be found in the area. Georgia DNR launched its SONAR equipment to begin searching for the victims in Lake Oconee. They recovered the woman's body around 9:55 a.m. Sunday. Crews searched for the man until 6 p.m. Sunday and again from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. So far, they haven't been able to locate the man. Game wardens resumed their search at 7 a.m. Tuesday. A Georgia DNR spokesman told Channel 2 Action News that he is waiting for the woman to be identified before her name is released. TRENDING STORIES: Flood watch issued, widespread rain moves in later today Roswell officer killed in the line of duty had received award for saving man's life South Fulton mayor defends controversial spending during 'Mayor Mondays' event [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
