Westchester Police Kill Black Bear in Suburb, State Questions Action

In West Harrison, Westchester County, police shot and killed a black bear that had been wandering through residential neighborhoods, sparking significant public outrage and debate over the necessity of lethal force. Authorities claimed they lacked access to tranquilizers or trapping assistance and made a "difficult decision to humanely euthanize the bear in the interest of public safety." However, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) contradicted this, stating the bear posed no immediate threat and should have been allowed to leave the area on its own, with reasonable escape routes available. Local wildlife experts offered help to tranquilize the bear, but their assistance was reportedly declined or unavailable at the scene, intensifying criticism of the police response. Residents described the bear as frightened and not aggressive, while many witnessed the animal moaning and groaning after being shot, which deeply upset the community, including children. The incident has prompted calls for improved wildlife protocols and better police training on non-lethal options to prevent similar outcomes in the future.