...Steevil, famous sailor and NASA scientist, sends along this story: Police Shoot Bear Wandering in City Yard
IRVINGTON, N.J. - A 300-pound black bear that had been wandering urban New Jersey for two days was shot and killed by police Wednesday in a backyard on the edge of Newark after it reared up on his hind legs and appeared ready to charge, authorities said.
Seven shotgun blasts rang out and the bear slumped to the ground in the small yard where it had been cornered.
The animal had apparently come from the countryside to the west, and its rambles had included the cities of Newark and Irvington - some of the most urban and densely populated areas of the state.
Before the bear was killed, nervous police officers chased three or four youngsters from nearby yards, and were becoming increasingly worried that more than 1,000 neighborhood children would soon be walking home from school.
"Good God almighty!" said Wanda Williams, upon learning that a bear had been spotted on her street. "Why would a bear want to be in Newark? [...]
It is a mystery.
(By the way, defenders of Newark should contact Steevil at steevil@miskatonic.edu)
Posted by Terry Oglesby at May 11, 2006 09:08 AMAnd recall that Steevil lives in Baltimore, and people say similar things about it.
Posted by: Steevil (Dr Weevil's bro Steve) at May 11, 2006 11:53 AMI once went to a job interview in Newark. The interviewer was kind enough to point out the crack houses across the street.
Desperate for work as I was, I was quite glad not to be offered that post.
Posted by: Skinnydan at May 11, 2006 01:00 PMI wonder if the crack dealers will go elsewhere, what with all the bears roaming the streets.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at May 11, 2006 01:10 PMMore likely the bears will go elsewhere.
Posted by: Skinnydan at May 11, 2006 03:12 PMIf they were hybrid bears, they could get out quicker by using the HOV lane.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at May 11, 2006 03:16 PM