A central Alabama man was arrested and charged with killing a black bear in Elmore County, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Thursday.

“Hopefully this arrest will send a message and deter future wildlife regulation violations related to Alabama’s black bear population,” said Matt Weathers, chief of enforcement with the department’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division. “If you see a black bear, just leave it alone. We want them in Alabama.”

Although black bears are classified as a game animal in Alabama, there is no establishes black bear hunting season in the state.

The animals are also protected by state law because of low population numbers, the department said.

Michael Watkins, 32, of Wetumpka, was identified by the department as the man who killed the black bear.

Shooting at a black bear is a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $2,000. Other potential penalties include losing hunting and fishing licenses and possible jail time.

Black bears were typically concentrated in southwest Alabama, mostly Mobile and Washington counties.

But in recent years, bears migrating from northwest Georgia established a small but viable population in northeast Alabama, according to the department, which is working with state and federal agencies to collect data on black bear populations and movements.

Black bears are secretive and shy and will avoid interacting with humans.

The department urged Alabamians to avoid attracting bears to their homes by feeding pets just enough food that they can ear in one meal.

Other tips included securing uneaten pet food, garbage cans and bird and other wildlife feeders.

WFF encouraged anyone who encounters a black bear to follow these suggestions

• Do not be frightened

• Do not approach the animal

• Do not run from the bear; back away slowly

• Stand tall and upright and make loud noises

• Avoid direct eye contact with the bear

• Make sure the bear has an unobstructed direction to escape

• Never purposely feed a bear