Wounded Bear Loose In La Verne Could Be Aggressive

LA VERNE (CBSLA.com) — Officials often see bears in the foothill communities and it rarely ends badly, but this time it did after an an off-duty deputy shot a bear he says charged at him and his three young kids.

Right now, the search is on for that bear here in the Live Oak Canyon area. Wildlife officials warn that since it is wounded, it may act even more dangerous.

"That's really worrisome. especially since the bear was wounded and then not caught," Cloyce Morrow, who encountered the bears before said.

Authorities say the family was outside their home Tuesday night when the three bears confronted them near trash bins. The unidentified deputy pulled out his gun and fired warning shots into the air but as he tried to get his kids to safety, one of the bears suddenly ran towards them.

"This bear didn't back down, and it came up aggressive at him, and it was in arm's reach when he shot at the bear," Calif. Fish and Wildlife lieutenant Ron Hoffman said.

The deputy shot the bear several times before all three bears ran off. The family was not hurt.

Deputies handed out fliers Wednesday night warning people about the incident.

Morrow says the three bears are in her pool nearly every day. She's not taking any chances.

"I take a pan and a metal cup and I bang my way all the way to the car if I have to go. I'm yelling at them. I'm a little paranoid."

Wildlife officials do not believe this was a mother bear trying to protect her cubs. They think all three bears are fairly young and may have just not known any better.