Wild bear cub shot dead by park rangers after becoming 'habituated' to humans who fed it

'This is a classic example of why we implore members of the public not to feed bears,' says wildlife expert

The black bear was shot and killed by wildlife officials after being familiar around people (Washington County Sheriff's Office)

Wildlife officials have shot dead a young bear that became habituated to humans after being fed by tourists.

Visitors to Oregon’s Hagg Lake Park had also taken selfies with the young black bear, which experts said was “much more likely to have dangerous interactions with humans in future” after becoming familiar with people.

Biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) saw the animal eating trail mix, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and other foods left near a road.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police were also repeatedly called to sightings of the cub at a popular boat ramp at Henry Hagg Lake this month.

“This is a classic example of why we implore members of the public not to feed bears,” said biologist Kurt Licence. “While the individuals who put food out for this bear may have had good intentions, bears should never, ever be fed.”

He warned feeding some foods to wild animals could also make them ill.

“It’s never a good idea to feed wild animals,” Mr Licence added. “They are perfectly capable of fending for themselves, and it’s always better to leave them alone and enjoy them from a safe distance.”

Police first became aware of human interaction with the bear after people posted photos of themselves posing with it on social media.

Officers were later called several times to the same area where food had been left for the animal.

Last week, the sheriff’s office tweeted pictures of the bear and said it was “working to get this bear cub near Hagg Lake to go back into the woods”.

The cub wandered back into the woods of its own accord but later returned and was shot dead by ODFW rangers.

News of the bear’s demise triggered anger on social media, where some questioned why the cub was not captured and relocated.

The sheriff’s office said: “This was a tough decision the wildlife experts at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife had to make for the safety of everyone. Relocation wasn’t an option in this case. Humans shouldn’t feed wild bears. It’s a very sad situation.”

The ODFW said it did not relocate bears that have become habituated to humans because they were “much more likely to have dangerous interactions” with people.