Another black bear was destroyed in Fairview on Tuesday afternoon.
This is the second bear in as many weeks that was dispatched in that area.
Nelson Police chief Wayne Holland said several residents reported seeing the bear wandering through their yards on Tuesday. A conservation officer was also called to assess the animal while police provided backup.
They tracked the bear until it went up a tree, then made the decision to destroy at about 3:45 p.m.
“The conservation officer determined the bear wasn’t suitable for relocation,” Holland explained. “It was extremely aggressive and was foming around the mouth and showed signs of not being right, so the conservation officer wasn’t going to take a chance with it.”
Calls to the conservation officer were not returned.
Holland was unsure what attracted the bear to the residential area or how long it had been scavenging there.
“I suspect it was the same pattern as the previous bear who became habituated,” Holland said. “It finds an easy source of food and becomes absolutely fearless of humans.”
The animal was about three or four years old.
In early July a young grizzly bear was shot near the Nelson Campground.
The public is reminded to keep away from wild animals and to call Nelson Police or the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 if they see a bear in the city.
Note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available. If you have something to add, please email reporter3@nelsonstar.com.
