TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Nine people are facing animal cruelty and other charges amid a yearlong investigation into possible baiting and abusing of Florida black bears.

Their arrests were announced Wednesday by Attorney General Pam Bondi's Office.

The nine people are accused of luring black bears by placing drums of dog food, doughnuts and other food throughout Baker, Flagler, Marion and Union counties.

They then used large packs of dogs to chase and maul the bears, the Attorney General's Office said.

After some of the attacks, investigators said the people posted video of the acts on social media. Warrants were obtained for those social media accounts.

The nine people facing charges are:

  • Christopher Elliot Haun, 42, Ormond Beach, Fla.
  • William Landrum, 39, Millboro, Va.
  • Mark Lindsey, 26, Moultrie, Ga.
  • Dustin Reddish, 25, Lake Butler, Fla.
  • Haley Reddish, 25, Lake Butler, Fla.
  • Charles Luther Scarbrough III, 30, Callahan, Fla.
  • Hannah Weiner Scarbrough, 27, Callahan, Fla.
  • Troy Travis Starling, 45, Lake Butler, Fla.
  • William Tyler Wood, 29, Lake Butler, Fla.

"Not only were these gruesome acts of violence repulsive and cruel, they were recorded and posted to social media for the amusement of the defendants," Bondi said. "I doubt they are laughing any longer now that they have been arrested for serious crimes."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it became aware of possible bear killings when cameras were set up in Union County to monitor activity.

Gov. Rick Scott thanked the agencies who investigated and called the incidents "vile animal cruelty" and a "heinous crime."

All nine people face various charges including animal cruelty, animal fighting or baiting, conspiracy to commit racketeering, littering, unlawful taking of black bears, and the unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

It's against Florida law to take, possess, injure, shoot, collect or sell black bears under unless authorized by an FWC-issued permit.