They euthanized a bear in the US because it had an obstructed intestine after ingesting wipes and plastic

2023-09-19 10:43:29

Updated Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – 10:43

The event took place in Telluride, Colorado. The authorities warn of the obligation to leave garbage potentially dangerous for animals in a closed container

The remains found inside the bear.Colorado Parks and Wildlife

The authorities of Colorado (USA) have had to sacrifice a specimen of black bear for the suffering he suffered after ingesting remains of indigestible garbage, such as disinfectant wipes or plastic remains.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the agency responsible for natural spaces in that state, made the decision on September 9 to end the life of a male weighing approximately 180 kilos in Telluride because “it showed signs of infection and suffer a severe intestinal obstruction“.

“The bear couldn’t digest the food and was very sick,” he says. Rachel SrallaCPW wildlife manager, aware that there is too much trash talk when it comes to bear events in Colorado.

The animal had a fever and its eyes were swollen with secretions; also in the mouth. CPW agents determined that he had severe abdominal painsince the mammal showed a humpbacked position while walking and did not want to move.

This bear was quite well known in the Terullide area and they had previously tried to keep him away from public spaces. It is suspected that it is the same specimen that had entered a house at the beginning of the summer.

“Removal of the stomach and intestines showed that the bear was starving, due to a plug of paper napkins, disinfectant wipes, remains of plastic bags and other food packaging,” he says. Mark Caddyalso CPW wildlife manager.

The authorities make a urgent appeal so that park visitors, as well as residents and hospitality business managers, leave trash safely.

According to the Telluride City Bylaw, any trash container that is attractive to bears or other wildlife must be equipped with a locking mechanism.

“We can’t leave a sick bear like this knowing that I was suffering and fighting to survive,” adds Sralla.

Failure to comply with the wildlife protection ordinance can result in a fine of $250 for the first offense and $500 for the second offense. A third violation will result in a summons to appear before a court.