TALLASSEE (WATE) - Two Maryville men were arrested earlier in November for allegedly shooting and killing two bear cubs in the Top of the World community.
Corey Martin Campbell, 19, and Jesse Lee McClellan, 18, are charged with hunting during a closed season, hunting from a motor vehicle and using a spotlight to hunt.
Mike McClurg, who does security for the area, says he went to the community pavilion after someone heard gunshots in that area. He says there is a momma bear and her two cubs always in that area.
"Mama bear was running back and forth in this area. She was distressed, acting nervous," McClurg said.
He says he heard the bear cubs crying in the distance. At first, he says the two men in a truck nearby did not admit to the crimes.
"I asked them what they were shooting at and they said they were shooting into the bank," McClurg said.
He says the men later admitted to shooting the cubs. After that, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Officer Greg Julian arrived at the scene.
"These guys are not hunters. They are poachers, the kind of people who give hunters a bad name," Julian said.
During a search of the men's 1992 Chevrolet pickup truck, the officer found what's believed to be a marijuana pipe and a flashlight with marijuana seeds in it.
Campbell is also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and simple drug possession.
The TWRA seized a weapon that's being held as evidence in the case.
Corey Martin Campbell (source: Blount County Sheriff's Office)
Jesse Lee McClellan (source: Blount County Sheriff's Office)
