A bear that wandered into the town of Bonnyville this morning has been shot.
Local RCMP made their way to highway 28 near the C2 Centre around 8 this morning. After some patrolling around the area with the help of Bonnyville Fire and Fish and Wildlife, they discovered the bear had climbed up a tree at the intersection of 50th Avenue and 44th Street. Due to the bear being particularly large and close to homes, the authorities decided the best course of action was to shoot it. Fish and Wildlife carried out the deed.
“No one likes to dispatch an animal, particularly a healthy one but this bear’s proximity to nearby residences and children heading to school made this decision necessary,” said Sgt. Luis Gandolfi after the incident.
Nearby roads were closed temporarily to ensure the safety of the public. Bears usually come into town to feed on garbage and its crucial to keep it secure to prevent them from wandering close to humans.