ELBERTON, Ga. — A bear was shot and killed last week after officials say it posed a threat to public safety.
Elberton police officials said on June 23, officers received reports of a bear in the backyard of a home on Heard Street around 9 p.m.
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When officers arrived, they found a 250-pound bear in the backyard of the home.
Due to safety concerns related to a busy highway and foot traffic in the area, officers killed the bear. After killing the bear, officers called a local taxidermist and meat processor to remove the animal’s body.
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Officers also notified the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of the incident.
“They trust the officers made the right decision since the officer believed there was a public safety issue,” Georgia DNR told Channel 2 Action News.
Police have not said if any resident or officer was injured in the incident.
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“This is the first time in the 23 years that I have been policing in Elberton that I can recall encountering a bear,” Scott Marunich, Elberton Chief of Police, told Channel 2 Action News. “We have never needed nor has GA DNR come and taught any classes to our local law enforcement. Although I stand behind the decision the officers made, going forward, GA DNR will come and give instructions on incidents of this type, and a policy is being developed t assist officers in the future.”
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