Three bears in Sudbury shot dead on Monday by police

Three bears were killed by police in Sudbury yesterday in two separate incidents and police say it was in the name of public safety.

In the first instance, officers responded to call about a 500-pound bear that was injured and acting aggressively in a neighbourhood nearLasalleBoulevard.

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Police were told the bear had been causing damage to property.

The Ministry of Natural Resources was called, but didn't arrive in time before police had to kill the animal.

And shortly after 11 p.m. Monday night, a bear and her cub were found inside a home on Muriel Crescent in the city's south end.

Police said there was extensive damage to the front door of the home.

The owners were not inside at the time.

Both animals were killed.

Police are cautioning people not to underestimate the speed and power of a bear and are asking people not to chase the animals with sticks and bats.