HARPERTOWN, W.Va. — Randolph County deputies said they had to put down a sick bear.
Sheriff Robert Elbon said they first learned about the animal on Sunday, and by Monday, the bear was on the back deck of a residence, attempting to get inside.
“They got within about 10 feet of it, and he turned around and sat down on his buttocks and just looked at them,” Elbon said. “So, they could see that it was in distress and had maintenance; it doesn’t really even look like a bear.”
Deputies noted the bear was suffering from an unknown ailment—in distress, emaciated, poor color, with off-color and deformed gums. The DNR is expected to test for rabies or any other serious condition the bear could have been suffering from.
“I just think it’s a deformed bear,” Elbon said. “My deputy dispatched the animal and called the DNR to take it for testing.”
Elbon said deputies found the bear near where a group of children had been outside playing and were able to clear the area.
“The way I understood it, there were some kids playing down at the house below where they were taking care of this animal, so it may not have ended well,” Elbon said.
Elbon discouraged residents from getting involved in similar situations and said calling 911 was the best option.
“During regular hours, residents can call the DNR, but 911 is your best bet and the quickest way to get a response.”
Story by Mike Nolting, WAJR