Nine people in Florida have been arrested in connection with a long-running scheme to lure black bears out of their homes so packs of hunting dogs could attack them. 

Pam Bondi, Florida's attorney general, said the individuals were arrested after a yearlong investigation into the "illegal baiting, taking and molestation of Florida black bears by the use of dogs for commercial purposes." 

"Not only were these gruesome acts of violence repulsive and cruel, they were recorded and posted to social media for the amusement of the defendants," Bondi said in a press release . " I doubt they are laughing any longer now that they have been arrested for serious crimes." 

The investigation found that the individuals enticed bears by placing dog food, doughnuts, pastries and peanut butter in various areas around Baker , Flagler , Marion and Union counties in northern Florida.  Then, the defendants used large packs of dogs to chase and attack the bears. 

The individuals, ranging from 25 to 45 years old, filmed some of the attacks and posted video footage on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.  Prosecutors said the defendants could be seen in several videos forcing the bears toward a pack of a dozen dogs waiting nearby.  The dogs then attacked the bears, repeatedly biting them. 

No one in the video attempted to stop the attacks or control the dogs. 

Robert Spottswood, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said in the release that the "actions revealed by this investigation are disturbing" and "are not indicative of hunters and other conservationists." 

The commission first became aware of the crime in Union County and officials set up cameras to monitor the area.