DEC says euthanized West Harrison bear shouldn't have been killed
Harrison police said an officer from the DEC did help them respond to a sighting, Harrison police said they were forced to euthanize the bear after they were unable to obtain tranquilization or trapping resources.
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Officials from the state's Department of Environmental Conservation said the West Harrison bear that was euthanized should have been left to leave on its own.
A DEC spokesperson issued a statement to News 12 that said the bear didn't post any immediate threats to the public and had access to reasonable escape routes.
The statement was issued after Harrison police said the conservation police didn't offer them any assistance after a black bear was spotted in West Harrison on Monday.
Although, Harrison police said an officer from the DEC did help them respond to a sighting, Harrison police said they were forced to euthanize the bear after they were unable to obtain tranquilization or trapping resources.
The decision to kill the bear got mixed reaction from residents in the area.
"I guess if you have to, you have to. I mean you don't want somebody to get hurt," resident John Abadir said.
"I don't think it was necessary, but they wanted to be safe, too, so I understand that," another resident said.
Harrison police said they will explore the possibility of cross-training their officers in animal tranquilization and trapping.
