(WKYT) – A Kentucky State Police trooper shot a black bear in self-defense on Thursday night in Harlan County.
The KSP said that around 9:40 p.m., the trooper discovered the bear had gained access to the James A Cawood Field House.
The trooper found garbage outside the fieldhouse and an open door. The bear had entered the building.
When the bear encountered the trooper, it became aggressive, lunged at him, and backed him into a corner.
The trooper fired his gun at the bear to protect himself and was not injured.
Harlan County Public Schools said they were aware of the situation on the James A. Cawood Elementary School campus, and that no students were present during the incident.
“We are bear aware around our schools and have a number of protocols in place to help assure student safety,” the district said. “Fish and Wildlife officials have visited our campuses and worked with us to identify strategies.
The district said it would begin an immediate review of its protocols to determine if any additional measures can be added to further enhance safety.
Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Resource officials have been notified and are investigating.
No update was provided on the black bear’s condition.
