Ex-NFL star Jay Cutler kills bear while hunting and sparks outrage after sharing photo

**Warning: Contains image of a hunted and killed animal that some may find upsetting.**

People are rushing to condemn ex-NFL player Jay Cutler after he shared a photograph of a bear he killed on a hunt on social media.

Jay Cutler may have been named one of the top 100 Chicago Bears of all-time in 2019, but it certainly doesn't mean he's got any allegiance to the animal which is the National Football League team's namesake.

The 40-year-old former quarterback has been subject to fierce backlash from people online for killing a bear during a hunt in Big Sky Country, Montana and proudly showcasing the 'trophy' from on his Instagram.

The post shows Cutler dressed in camouflaged clothing and a cap, kneeling down behind a bear and holding it's head up to the camera.

The caption reads: "MT bear hunt in the books. @outsiderig Heading home to get some summer ale @gratisbeer."

According to Outsider, the bear is a 'cinnamon black bear or cinnamon phase black bear'.

And it hasn't taken long for animal lovers to flock to the comments in disgust over Cutler's post.

One user said: "How can you even be proud of this?"

"I’m a huge fan of you Jay. But im not a huge fan of killing bears at all, I understand the reasons to do so for population control conservation.

"It just seems silly to brag on social media about killing something you cant take out with your hands or a blade. Be humble. I don’t see bears taking us down and posting it on their instagram," another added.

A third commented: "As a Montanan, I would like to know where you hunted because it doesn’t look like a black bear to me. "Grizzlies are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and killing them can come with a fine of up to $50,000, the loss of a hunting license, or even jail time."

"Unless your feeding the Poor I don’t see the point of this smh to show your manhood?!? That you fight with guns against a defenceless animal just minding their own business in their habitat. You hunters are real manly," a fourth added.

And a final resolved: "Welp, unfollowing you now."

However, other users argued hunting is necessary when there's an overpopulation of a certain animal.

According to Montana Government's 'Black bear hunting regulations' document, 'a hunter must take and pass a 'Black Bear Identification test' before purchasing a Black Bear Hunting license' and there's a '48 hour reporting requirement for all black bear harvests'.

There are also certain rules as to the instrument used to kill the animal, as well as certain restricted locations.

In a response to anyone who 'didn't like the bear post,' Cutler shared a photograph of a rainbow.

The caption reads: "If you didn’t like the bear post, here is a rainbow to calm you down. You’re welcome. Go drink @gratisbeer, that will help also."

If you see an animal in distress and/or in need of help, contact the RSPCA's 24-hour animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 or visit their website for further advice. In the US, call SPCA on 212-244-SPCA (7722) Monday – Friday 9am-5pm EST or call 9111 if a crime is in progress.