WEST GLACIER (AP) - Rangers at Glacier National Park killed a 185-pound black bear a day after it threatened a man and his three sons, sending the boys under a car for cover.
John Hayden of Gillette, Wyo., and his sons encountered the male bear Saturday after walking about 100 yards into the woods. They tried to back away, but the bear pursued.
Hayden reported the animal shredded a shirt that he tossed in an attempt at distraction, and he then hit the bear with another shirt. Undeterred, the animal tried to swipe at the boys as they hid under the car, Glacier officials were told. The bear finally retreated after another park visitor sprayed repellent.
The National Park Service said earlier attempts to remove the bear from a roadside included firing rubber bullets and bean bags at the animal.
''Given this bear's conditioned, aggressive, and predatory behavior, especially exhibited by swiping under the car, the bear had to be destroyed,'' Chief Ranger Steve Frye said.
