Correction: Florida bear abuse story

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a story Dec. 19 about abuse of black bears in Florida, The Associated Press reported erroneously that authorities charged nine men with setting out bait for black bears, then steering them toward packs of dogs that chased and mauled them. Florida authorities have charged seven men and two women in the case, not nine men.

A corrected version of the story is below:

9 charged with baiting, abusing black bears in Florida

Florida authorities charge nine people with setting out bait for black bears, then steering them toward packs of dogs that chased and mauled them

Florida authorities have charged nine people with setting out bait for black bears, then steering them toward dogs that chased and mauled them.

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the arrests Wednesday.

Investigators say the seven men and two women lured bears in four north Florida counties with dog food, doughnuts and peanut butter.

According to statements from both state agencies, videos posted on social media showed the suspects forcing the bears toward about a dozen waiting dogs. Investigators said none of them tried to stop the dogs from attacking the bears.

Seven are Florida residents. One lives in Georgia, and another in Virginia. They face charges of animal cruelty, animal fighting or baiting, unlawful taking of black bears, and other charges.