SPARTA – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said a black bear that first attacked a dog, then its elderly owner, will be euthanized if Division of Fish and Wildlife officials can capture it.
That statement was given by DEP spokesman Larry Hajna to NJ.com, in an update that further reported that the 81-year-old woman was bitten on the leg Monday night and that the dog, an English Springer Spaniel, he died.
Hajna said the bear’s “aggressive behavior” report classified it as “Category 1,” according to NJ.com.
“Bears considered Category 1 are caught and euthanized as soon as possible to protect the public and eliminate further damage to property and agricultural crops,” Hajna’s statement said.
The NJ.com report said the bear, believed to be a female, weighed “at least 400 pounds” and was one of two who ate garbage the woman had brought out to pick up Tuesday when she let her dogs out. . The other bear escaped and investigators said a second dog was not injured.
The woman was taken to Newton Medical Center for treatment for her injuries and was released.
Patrick Lavery is the evening news anchor for New Jersey 101.5. FOLLOW on Twitter @ plavery1015 or email patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com.
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