Sep. 5, 2010 (United Press International) -- Wildlife officials criticized for euthanizing two mother bears and four cubs entering Colorado homes last week say they had no choice.
In two incidents last week, wildlife officers said they had no other option but to kill the animals because they proved to be too comfortable around humans, entering houses in search of food in preparation for hibernating, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette reported Sunday.
Public criticism came quickly.
"Poor little cubs. They were only looking for food. Why MUST they be euthanized? It just doesn't seem right. We are in their territory, after all," a resident wrote online.
Department of Wildlife officials admit they won't win any popularity contests, but say they aren't second-guessing themselves.
"We don't like putting bears down," DOW spokesman Michael Seraphin said. "We're aware there's resentment. But we can't manage wildlife based on popular opinion."
Once a bear starts finding food by getting into trash or has forced its way into a house, there's no going back, Seraphin said.
"More often than not, when bears start entering homes, history has shown they will continue that behavior," he said.
