Westchester Bear Euthanasia Sparks Public Outrage: Was Lethal Force Necessary?

A black bear was euthanized by police in Harrison, Westchester County, New York, on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred on Columbus Avenue after the bear roamed through backyards for nearly two hours. Residents interviewed expressed shock and questioned the use of lethal force, suggesting that the bear seemed more curious than threatening. "You could tell just by looking at him that the bear was scared," said one resident. Harrison Police stated that they were unable to obtain tranquilizer resources from Westchester County or private sources, making euthanasia the only option to ensure public safety. However, an animal rehabilitation group claimed that a local wildlife company had offered their services to tranquilize the bear. The Department of Environmental Conservation stated that their officers determined the bear posed no immediate threat to residents and advised the police to take action only if the situation escalated. The incident highlights the challenges of dealing with wildlife in densely populated areas and raises questions about the protocols in place.