[Slickcraft]

On WMUR web site today:

Bear Shot, Killed In Center Harbor
Officials Say Residents Have Fed Bears In Past

CENTER HARBOR, N.H. -- A bear believed to have injured a Center Harbor woman this week has been killed, wildlife officials said.

The bear was a large adult male that exhibited aggressive behavior, according to the Fish and Game Department. It was shot by a Fish and Game officer Wednesday night near the location of several recent incidents involving bears, people and pets.

The department said the bear was shot in the same neighborhood where Jacqueline Berghorn, 55, was injured when she was swatted by a black bear outside her home. Her injuries were not life-threatening.

"This is something that we as wildlife protectors do not relish," said Col. Martin Garabedian, chief of Fish and Game Law Enforcement. "Ultimately, it came down to protecting the public."

Garabedian said he believes the bear came habituated to being around people because of finding food at homes. He said the bear was no longer afraid of people.

He urged residents to take down bird feeders from April to December, keep their grills clean and remove unsecured trash and dog food from their yards.

Garabedian said previous residents of the neighborhood where the bear was killed had a history of feeding bears.

In Lebanon, police are also urging residents to take the same steps after multiple reports of bear sightings. Police said anyone who sees a bear should make sure not to be in its escape route. Make your presence known by talking loudly or clapping, and back away from it slowly -- don't run.