Hill pays fine, charge dropped
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| Jeremy Hill's father, Mike Hill, left, and County Commission Chair Ron Smith (right) spoke with reporters following Jeremy Hill's arraignment August 23 in Coeur d'Alene. The charge against Hill stirred national attention. Jeremy's wife, Rachel, and children are in the background. |
Mr. Hill has agreed that, under the applicable provisions of the Endangered Species Act and related Regulations, his actions on May 8, 2011, constituted a violation of one of regulations authorized by the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1538(a)(1)(G) (stemming from his violation of 50 CFR §§17.40(b)(1)(i)(C)(1) and (2)). These implementing regulations of the Endangered Species Act prohibit removing nuisance bears, except authorized by government authorities. Mr. Hill has been issued a notice of violation and paid a $1,000 fine.
During the course of their investigation, state and federal wildlife officials were unable to establish the location of Mr. Hill’s children when the three grizzly bears were first sighted in the yard, about forty yards from the Hill home. Mr. Hill informed law enforcement that he last saw his children outside playing basketball in front of their home, but that he did not know where his children were when he saw the three grizzly bears near his pig pen. He stated that he was concerned for his children’s welfare. By the time Mr. Hill fired the final shot, he was aware that all of his children and his wife were inside of their house.
U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced that dismissal of the criminal charge in favor of the citation was based in part on Mr. Hill’s prompt notification of his actions to Idaho Fish & Game officials. “The United States Attorney’s Office well understands Mr. Hill is a concerned husband and father who wants to protect his family,” said Olson. “Anyone who observes or hears of a grizzly bear near campsites or residences must immediately contact fish and wildlife officials. Federal, State and Tribal officials are mandated to act immediately and effectively to remove grizzly bears from populated areas. These regulations are designed to ensure citizen safety and protect the grizzly bear, which has been designated a Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act.”
For the first time, Jeremy has the opportunity to speak out on what happened on Mother's Day May 8.
“After having family over for dinner on Mother’s Day," he said, "I was outside at the basketball hoop with four of my children. I went into the house to take a shower. When I finished showering and was getting dressed, my wife, Rachel, looked out the bedroom window and saw three grizzly bears at the edge of our yard, but very close by, standing near a small pen that held the children’s 4-H pigs. The last time I saw my children they were outside. I grabbed a rifle and ran out on the deck. I yelled for the children, but did not hear a response. The bears did not move away from the pen as I was yelling. Fearing for the safety of my children, I shot the bear that was closest to the house. The other two bears ran across part of the lawn and into the brush. The wounded bear followed into the yard, but stopped and turned toward the house. I shot the bear again. About this time, Rachel told me that the children were safe inside the house. The bear I shot was badly wounded, and I believed at that time that it would be very dangerous to leave the bear wounded, possibly posing a threat to others. I also thought the humane thing to do was to put the wounded bear out of its misery.
“We do not live in the wilderness. We live in a rural farm community. I have never seen grizzly bears near our home before. I shot the grizzly bear because I was fearful for the safety of my family. I thought I was doing the right thing to protect them. Once I shot the bear, I immediately called Idaho Fish and Game to report the incident.”
Marc Lyons, Ramsden & Lyons, LLP, attorney for Jeremy Hill in this matter, had the following statement:
“We are pleased that the U.S. Attorney has agreed to dismiss all criminal charges against Jeremy Hill for the shooting of a grizzly bear at his home on May 8, 2011. We believe that this was the correct decision and that Jeremy should not be subjected to criminal charges. Jeremy believed that the actions that he took in confronting three large grizzly bears at his home were appropriate and necessary to protect his home and family.
“It is important to understand that the Hill family lives in a rural farm community. The Hill family home is 1,000 feet from one of the main Idaho highways, and is not in the mountains, the wilderness, or where someone would normally expect grizzly bear activity.
“This unfortunate event underscores the need to critically review and evaluate the Endangered Species Act so that people can use reasonable and appropriate actions to protect their families, homes and property.”
“I am thankful that the government has dismissed all criminal charges against me in this case," Hill said. "I received a federal civil ticket and have paid the $1,000 fine to avoid putting my family through the emotional strain and the cost of a trial. I am glad this issue has been resolved out of court and I am looking forward to putting this unfortunate incident behind me. My family and I are very thankful for the support of our family and friends during this difficult time. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of concern from the many people who have contacted us. We are also grateful for the support of our state and local elected officials. We could not ask for better friends, neighbors and supporters. Thank you again from all of our family.”