UPDATED: 550-pound black bear killed in Colorado Springs
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says a man shot a bear in northwest Colorado Springs Wednesday night.
The incident happened in the Rockrimmon area. CPW says the man encountered a 550-pound black bear that was getting into his trash.
“Trash has to be kept from the bears. It’s a law that we have. When you see a bear, don’t approach it,” said Steve Cooley, wildlife officer for El Paso County.
The trash can was in the backyard, but the bear ripped through a fence to get it. The trash can was not bear proofed or stored properly which gave the bear easy access.
The man says he shot the bear after his efforts to scare it away failed. He claims it was in self-defense.
Under the law, you are allowed to shoot a bear in self-defense.
“In protection of property, in Colorado Springs discharging a firearm no matter what is dangerous but its allowed in self defense,” said Cooley.
The homeowner immediately notified CPW and Colorado Springs police after shooting the bear. The bear was alive but badly injured when Parks and Wildlife staff arrived. The decision was made to put the bear down.
CPW wants to remind neighbors in the Rockrimmon area to not approach or feed bears. They also say to not leave your trash out overnight, something one neighbor in the area is aware has happened.
“I make sure I keep it in the garage and then I only put it out the morning when it is collected. I want to make sure its out of the way,” said Mark Dempsey, Rockrimmon resident.
Dempsey, who has lived in his home since the 1970’s, says people have to get used to living with wildlife in the area.
“They’re after food especially this time of year. If you just avoid setting them up in situations they can get to your food then they’ll be fine and you’ll be fine,” said Dempsey.
Wildlife officers say this was the biggest bear they’ve seen in the region. The bear was 20 years old and got up to 550 pounds by eating a lot of food from humans.
The case is still under investigation but there are no charges against the homeowner.
