Bear killed after repeated sightings near Wyoming schools

Wyoming authorities say they killed a large black bear after it was repeatedly spotted near several schools in Teton County this week.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department spokesman Mark Gocke says relocating the 420-pound male black bear wasn’t an option because of the animal’s history.

The Jackson Hole News and Guide reports that the bear had been caught once before in Jackson. Authorities relocated it in 2015 to the southern end of the Wyoming Range.

Gocke says euthanizing the bear was a difficult decision but allowing it to remain in the area was too risky.

Authorities were concerned about students at several schools traveling in the area at dawn and dusk, particularly active times for the bear.