A bear was shot and killed after attacking a domestic pig in Polk County. Around 9:30 a.m. Saturday a Polk County deputy saw a black bear at State Road 60 and 80 Foot Road in Bartow. The bear continued walking on 80 Foot Road towards Wells Road.
The deputy contacted dispatch requested that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) respond to the area. The deputy followed the bear while waiting for FWC to respond.
The 6 foot 300 pound bear climb a fence and enter into a pig pen on 5615 Wells Road. The deputy witnessed the bear attacking the pig. Screams from the pig can be heard in video shot by a witness.
Fearing for the safety of the pig, the deputy shot the bear with his agency-issued shotgun in the lower back to stop that attack on the pig. After being shot once, the bear charged at the deputy, the deputy discharged two more rounds and killed the bear.
The pig survived the attack and did not require medical attention.
Sheriff Grady Judd issued this statement on the deputy:
"There is no such thing as a routine call in law enforcement. I'm proud of this deputy, who saw a potential threat by a wild animal, immediately took action, and placed himself in a position not only to protect human life, but also someone's livestock. Because he was in the right place at the right time, the bear did not kill or maim anyone or anything," Sheriff Judd said.
