TEHACHAPI, CA - The bear was shot and killed at this corner, as residents nearby were told to stay inside. Police say they had to shoot it eight times to finally take it down.
Take a look at this picture given to us by Stephanie Flores. She took this photo from her front door, as the bear sat on her porch watching people nearby.
Police say they tried to keep the bear on the porch until Fish and Wildlife officials arrived. But officers say, the bear soon became aggressive and moved in the direction where a group of kids were walking to school, about one block away.
Police say the bear caused an immediate threat to the children, and they were forced to shoot it.
Thursday afternoon, 12-year-old Ben Castillo met the officers who helped him. Castillo says the bear was following him on his bike. "It was very scary. During my first hour of class I was shaking and telling all my friends what was going on."
"I'm anticipating some criticism for our department and likely our officers because of this shooting but I'll sit here and accept that criticism gladly rather than stand here and be talking to you about a child that was mauled by that bear," says Tehachapi police chief Kent Kroeger.
On Wednesday, a young black bear that was seen wandering east Bakersfield since Tuesday night, was tranquilized with three darts, and died shortly before it was set to be released into the wild.
Wildlife officials aren't sure what caused the bear's death, but do say there was water in the drainage ditch where the bear was eventually captured.
They say the female bear most likely drowned.
Also in Tehachapi, a social media post last week indicated someone is claiming this cinnamon-colored black bear, as a pet.
Wildlife officials note, it's illegal to feed a wild bear, let alone take one into your home.
Wildlife officials said they're looking into the post.
The Tehachapi Police Department says a thorough investigation will be completed. Officers are also looking into getting tranquilizers since they don't have that type of equipment.
Take a look at this picture given to us by Stephanie Flores. She took this photo from her front door, as the bear sat on her porch watching people nearby.
Police say they tried to keep the bear on the porch until Fish and Wildlife officials arrived. But officers say, the bear soon became aggressive and moved in the direction where a group of kids were walking to school, about one block away.
Police say the bear caused an immediate threat to the children, and they were forced to shoot it.
Thursday afternoon, 12-year-old Ben Castillo met the officers who helped him. Castillo says the bear was following him on his bike. "It was very scary. During my first hour of class I was shaking and telling all my friends what was going on."
"I'm anticipating some criticism for our department and likely our officers because of this shooting but I'll sit here and accept that criticism gladly rather than stand here and be talking to you about a child that was mauled by that bear," says Tehachapi police chief Kent Kroeger.
On Wednesday, a young black bear that was seen wandering east Bakersfield since Tuesday night, was tranquilized with three darts, and died shortly before it was set to be released into the wild.
Wildlife officials aren't sure what caused the bear's death, but do say there was water in the drainage ditch where the bear was eventually captured.
They say the female bear most likely drowned.
Also in Tehachapi, a social media post last week indicated someone is claiming this cinnamon-colored black bear, as a pet.
Wildlife officials note, it's illegal to feed a wild bear, let alone take one into your home.
Wildlife officials said they're looking into the post.
The Tehachapi Police Department says a thorough investigation will be completed. Officers are also looking into getting tranquilizers since they don't have that type of equipment.