DNR kills bear after it gets too comfortable around humans
Associated Press
RED WING, Minn. - Minnesota wildlife officials are defending a decision to kill a black bear that had been wandering around Featherstone Township in southeastern Minnesota's Goodhue County.
According to conservation officer Tyler Quandt, the bear "was getting brave" in recent weeks. Instead of running away from people, it would walk toward them.
So Quandt decided to kill it last week, citing a Department of Natural Resources Policy to destroy bears when they become public safety concerns.
Quandt said the DNR doesn't take destroying bears lightly. The 300-pound bear had become too comfortable around people and moving it likely wouldn't have solved the problem, Quandt said.
Black bears are much more common in northeastern Minnesota, but up to two dozen bear sightings have been reported in the Red Wing area in recent years.
Information from: Red Wing Republican Eagle, http://www.republican-eagle.com
