Game and Fish euthanized a bear in Payson this week after it attempted to break into a man’s home. This is the third bear euthanized in the past week, one in Anthem and one in Pinetop-Lakeside. Officials say Joseph Stapp was asleep when he heard a loud crash on his porch. When he went to investigate he was face to face with a large black bear. This was the third time the bear had been at the house. During an earlier encounter, the bear had found a trashcan full of dog food, which the owner later secured inside the house. Game and Fish trapped the bear and determined it would have to be put down due to its aggressive nature and lack of fear towards humans. The public is reminded to remove all food items from outdoors and to secure trash. Due to the severe drought conditions, animals are venturing into urban areas looking for food and water. Game and Fish is currently monitoring bears in Show Low, Yarnell, Pinetop, Mesa and along the southern US border.
