HOULTON, Maine — Game Wardens shot and killed an injured bear found within the town limits Friday, June 22.
According to Sgt. Daniel Menard of the U.S. Warden Service, several residents reported what they believed to be a nuisance bear in the area of Pearce and Franklin avenues and Court Street in the late afternoon.
“We were getting several reports of a nuisance bear, but as it turns out, this animal was actually injured,” Menard said. “The animal was favoring its limbs as it tried to cross the street. It was determined that the injuries were significant enough that it was not likely to survive.”
Warden Scott Martin shot and killed the bear, which weighed about 107 pounds.
Menard said reports of bears within town limits are on the rise, with Aroostook County logging the highest number of complaints in the state. Presque Isle, Caribou and Limestone are the towns that have had the highest concentration of complaints, he said.
“We encourage people to pick up their trash, clean up their barbecue grill and be sure not to leave items sitting outside that a bear may eat,” Menard said.
He added this was also the time of year when people typically come across young animals and incorrectly assume that the animal’s mother has abandoned it.
“This is the time of year when we see a lot of fawn moose and deer,” he said. “If you see one in the woods, do not pick it up because the mother may not accept it afterwards. Give it a night and if it is still there the next day, call a game warden or local police.”
Individuals who see a bear or other wild animals acting strangely in their yards are encouraged to contact game wardens at 1-800-924-2261 to report the activity.
Houlton police assisted in the search for the bear.
