Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Police Kill Bear in Newton Sunday Morning

The bear's remains were given to a local sportsmen's club.

UPDATED, 12:40 p.m.: The Massachusetts State Police released a statement Sunday with additional details on the incident.

The incident began at 6:30 a.m. when troopers responded to assist Environmental Police for a report of a bear near mile marker 126 on the Mass Turnpike in Newton. 

Authorities found the bear in a tree adjacent to Washington Street.

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At 7:27 a.m., troopers stopped westbound traffic on the Pike while Environmental Police "neutralized" the bear. State Police said the bear posed a threat to public safety. After two minutes, traffic was allowed to proceed.

Environmental Police removed the bear from the scene at 7:50 a.m.

Find out what's happening in Newtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to WCVB, the bear's remains were given to a local sportsmen's for its members to use.

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Police shot and killed a young bear Sunday morning as it sat in a tree near the Massachusetts Turnpike, according to WCVB-TV.

Police unsuccessfully attempted to tranquilize the bear after it climbed a tree at the overpass near the Shaw’s Supermarket on Washington Street, according to WCVB-TV. Police at the scene said they decided to kill the bear because they feared for the public’s safety, according to the Boston Globe.

After being shot, the bear fell from the tree onto the train tracks below, according to the Globe.


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