WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — A young black bear had to be euthanized because it got too used to humans because people would not stop feeding it, officials in Oregon said.
The bear had been seen eating trail mix and sunflower seeds in the past, officials with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, told The Oregonian.
Not only had people been feeding the bear cub, but they had also been taking selfies with it, KTVZ reported.
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Deputies are working to get this bear cub near Hagg Lake to go back into the woods... please stay away from the area near Boat Ramp A. pic.twitter.com/tI8m5yTbyk
— WCSO Oregon (@WCSOOregon) June 13, 2019
Wildlife experts say no matter what your intentions are, people should never feed bears, according to The Oregonian.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife will not relocate bears that have become too acclimated to humans because they could become dangerous to people later, KTVZ reported.
Unfortunately, yes. This was a tough decision the wildlife experts at the Oregon Dept. of Fish & 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.
— WCSO Oregon (@WCSOOregon) June 14, 2019
And not only could the bears, or other wildlife, become too used to people, the "junk food" that is fed to them could make them sick, KTVZ reported.
Cox Media Group