No jail or fine for South Shore bear killer

This is the bear that was killed last summer. Photo/Toogee Sielsch

Gilbert Wetenkamp won’t be spending any time behind bars for the killing of a bear on the South Shore.

Before handing down the sentence today El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Suzanne Kingsbury didn’t hold back in telling Wetenkamp his actions were dangerous and that he needs to follow the law – which means not shooting wildlife because they are bothering him.

Wetenkamp on March 18 was sentenced to two years probation, six months in jail – which was stayed, a $2,084 fine – also stayed, forfeiture of the gun used to kill the 2½-year-old bear last July near his house, and 200 hours of community service that must be spent working with animals.

He was also told that any future wildlife issues on his property must be handled by proper authorities.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report