A Polk County, Florida Sheriff's deputy shot and killed an aggressive bear that was attacking a family's pet pig over the weekend.
The deputy was on patrol Saturday when he spotted the black bear moving across SR 60 in Alturas, according to WTSP-TV.
He contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and waited in the area to make sure the animal would not endanger anyone. Suddenly, the 300-pound bear climbed a fence and entered a backyard off of Wells Road.
Once inside, the bear found a pig pen and began to attack the family's pet pig.
The deputy shot the bear once in his lower back to stop the attack, which caused the bear to charge at him. Fearing for his life, the deputy fired two more times, killing the animal.
"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," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Because he was in the right place at the right time, the bear did not kill or maim anyone or anything."
The pig survived the attack and did not require any treatment. Fish and Wildlife officials responded and collected the bear.
