GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.—The state Division of Wildlife was leaning against citing people suspected of petting and illegally feeding a bear that wildlife officers destroyed.
Division officials decided to kill the bear Thursday because they feared it had become too used to humans at a campground in West Glenwood and might attack someone who didn’t reward it with food.
Wildlife officials said a couple at the campground may have been catching fish and throwing them to the bear.
“Our full intent was to charge them. Our problem there is we did not see them do it. The other issue there is they probably couldn’t even pay the fine,” area wildlife manager Perry Will said.
The penalty is $68 for violating the prohibition against feeding wildlife.
A witness reported the bear was fed by humans. Wildlife officials said the couple admitted to petting the adult female bear but not to feeding it.
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Information from: Post Independent
