Liza Nanni, 61, of Groton has been accused of confronting bear hunters in the woods of Groton, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.
Ellsworth Spear, 61, of Newbury reported the incident on July 10. Spear told police he, another adult hunter and a minor were driving on Red Brook Road in Groton with hunting dogs in their truck. Police said Nanni blocked the road, instigated an altercation and sprayed the hunters with bear spray.
The hunters then backed away and called Vermont State Police once they were back in cellphone range, according to the game wardens who interviewed the hunters and Nanni.
Nanni is accused of interfering with a hunter, simple assault and disorderly conduct.
Bear hound training season runs from June 1 to Sept. 15 in Vermont, during which it is legal to hunt bears with hunting dogs. The charges also come at a time when the number of bear break-ins throughout the state is on the rise.
In addition to interviewing Nanni and the hunters, officers of the Vermont Warden Service reviewed videos recorded by both parties during and after the altercation.
“I support all Vermonters with their shared passion for wildlife,” Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick said in a press release Monday. “No matter how different our practices or approaches may be, we all must remain civil and respectful as we enjoy the outdoors. I strongly condemn the criminal behavior that occurred in Groton.”
Nanni is set to face the charges on Sept. 26 in Caledonia County Superior Court.
— Jenna Peterson
