Bear found at Lord Fletcher's in Spring Park killed

SPRING PARK, Minn. (KMSP) - Authorities killed a black bear Saturday afternoon after it was found near Lord Fletcher's restaurant in Spring Park, Minn., according to the Orono Police Department.

Around 12:35 p.m. a family flagged down an Orono police officer, saying they saw a bear near Sunset Drive and Shadywood Road. When officers arrived, they found the bear by the volleyball courts at Lord Fletcher's.

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and DNR officials also assisted with the response.

Orono police say due to the safety concern for the hundreds of people at the restaurant, those boating nearby and for area residents, the officials decided to put down the bear. Tranquilizers were not available.