More than a dozen animal rights protesters gathered outside of the Norwalk Superior Court Thursday as two men accused of illegally killing and skinning bears went before a judge.

Police say Anthony Lio killed two bears with a bow and arrow on his property in Wilton. Bear hunting is illegal in Connecticut, although state lawmakers have considered allowing hunting, as bear sightings have risen.

They say another man, Daniel Moran, came over and helped Lio skin both bears, cutting off their heads and paws.

Moran pleaded guilty Thursday and accepted the maximum punishment, a $500 fine. His lawyer says Moran was swayed by community anger over the case.

"He understands he made a mistake," Moran's attorney Christian Bujdud said. "He wanted to get back to his life. He was extremely sensitive to the public's position on this."

Lio applied for an accelerated rehabilitation program that could see his charges dropped. But the animal rights activists say they will fight that.

A judge will take up the request in January.