A Florida man who shot and killed a black bear on the Kenai Peninsula and then transported it to the Lower 48 in violation of federal law received his sentence this week.

James L. Connolly, 63, of St. Petersburg, Florida, shot and killed the bear in the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area in May 2018, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney in the District of Alaska. The area is closed to all hunting and trapping.

After killing the bear, Connolly transported it to a tannery in California, which ultimately shipped it to Connolly in Florida.

Witnesses reported seeing the remains of a black bear near Skilak Lake Loop Road and others said Connolly told them he’d recently shot and killed a black bear in the area.

Investigators matched DNA samples from the blood at the kill site with samples…