Wildlife Officers Trap, Kill Bear in Longwood

Bear broke into garage earlier in the week

LONGWOOD, Fla. (AP) — Wildlife officials in central Florida have captured and killed a bear who they say was responsible for several dog attacks and opening unlocked parked cars and garages.

The bear was captured Friday in Longwood, a suburb of Orlando.

Because the bear’s confrontations with humans and animals were escalating, wildlife officials felt it was necessary to humanely kill the bear, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Wildlife officials say the bear this week entered a garage by breaking through a side door.

One of two yearlings traveling with the bear also was captured but was released into the Ocala National Forest.