Bear euthanized after biting woman in Cheshire

CHESHIRE, Conn. (WTNH) — A black bear in Cheshire has been euthanized after biting a woman Saturday, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) responded to the incident around 4 p.m. in the area of Cornwall Avenue and Oak Avenue. Cheshire police said the bear approached the woman while she was sitting in her backyard. The victim suffered minor injuries.

Prior to police arriving, the bear fled but was spotted by officers and did not appear to be healthy, according to Cheshire Police.

EnCon officers located and euthanized the bear which was turned over to DEEP Wildlife Biologists who will conduct an initial necropsy on the 280-pound, adult male bear.

The bear will be submitted for additional testing which may take several days, said DEEP. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

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