Wildlife officials in the US have shot and killed a baby black bear after it became too comfortable around humans.
Authorities stepped in after receiving numerous reports of the young male bear posing for selfies with visitors to the popular Scoggins Valley Park near Henry Hagg Lake, in Washington.
- Men caught on camera killing hibernating bear and her cubs
- California bear visits man, gets in hot tub, drinks his margarita
- Bear mauls man to death after selfie attempt
Members of the public had been leaving food out for the bear, which had been seen snacking on piles of sunflower seeds and trail mix, according to OreganLive.
On June 12, the Washinton County Sheriff's Office tweeted a warning to stay away from the animal after it was spotted near a boat ramp.
While officials were able to convince the animal back into the woods, it returned the next day.
Wildlife biologists Kurt License and Doug Kitchen tried to trap and relocate the bear, but it was later found eating a pile of food left out by visitors, according to OreganLive.
License told OreganLive, "this is a classic example of why we implore members of the public not to feed bears".
He said while people may have good intentions, they should never leave food out for wild animals.
Officials warned when bears associate people with food it increases the chances of problematic encounters and can also make the animals unwell.
Newshub.
