The carcass of the bear was found by an area resident riding a mountain bike in the desert near the end of 199th Avenue near the White Tanks, and the person astutely called Game and Fish.

Officer Jay Cook said the bear was partially decomposed, and the evidence at the scene indicates that the bear was likely shot somewhere else and then dumped a week or 10 days prior to its discovery in the desert. "Anyone who noticed a vehicle in that area, or anything out of the ordinary sometime from around August 12 to the 22, should give us a call at 1-800-352-0700," Cook said.

Game and Fish is offering up to a $500 reward in the case through its Operation Game Thief program. Callers can remain anonymous and still qualify for the reward.