Merrimack Police Euthanize Bear That Attacked, Killed Goat

MERRIMACK, NH — Merrimack police euthanized a bear that attacked and killed a homeowner's goat in town early Tuesday morning. Police released a statement saying that, while the decision was a difficult one, it was done in consultation with New Hampshire Fish & Game to protect the public and other domesticated animals.

"We understand this was not a popular decision," Merrimack police posted on their Facebook page. "Trust us, we did not want to do it either. However, according to Fish and Game, once the bear has found a food source — in this case the goat — it will not leave the area, especially when other animals are present, as was the case here."

Merrimack police said, while uncommon, that since bears are wild animals they will, if hungry enough, attack other animals.

"Our biggest concern was for the children in that area," Merrimack police said, "and we did not want to chance a child, or anything else, being harmed by this bear. It was not feasible to tranquilize and trap the bear. The Merrimack Police Department values all life, including wild animals but our No. 1 concern is human life, that is why this decision was made."

This is the time of year —shortly before hibernation —that bears are most often found in residential areas searching for food. Residents are urged to keep pets and livestock secured and eliminate potential food sources such as outdoor garbage, bird feeders and uncleaned grills.

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