Roy Warren Jr. and his cousin, Bobbi Jo Jordan, stand with the black bear Warren shot Friday night as it attempted to get into the barn that housed Jordan's horses. The bear had been at the barn several times this month. It was the second bear shot in Franklin in the past several days.
FRANKLIN, Maine — For the second time this week, a hunter has shot to death a bear that has been harassing domestic animals in this Hancock County town.
Roy Warren Jr. of Franklin shot the bear at the home of his cousin Bobbi Jo Jordan on Friday night after it tried to get into the barn that housed her two paint quarter horses.
“This was the third time I’ve seen him, but he’s probably been out here other times,” Jordan said Saturday. “Each time he never got anything to eat. I don’t know why he kept coming back except to get at the horses.”
The male bear, estimated to weigh around 200 pounds, had been trying to get into the horse barn since early this month, Jordan said. On his second visit last weekend, he was about a foot away from scaling the bottom portion of a double barn door and getting into a stall with one of the horses, she said.
He was scared off when Jordan’s father fired a shot in the air. Jordan had beefed up the fencing around the barn, and they had a live barrel trap set up near the barn
On Friday night, Jordan went outside with her dog on a leash.
“I was a little skittish,” she said. “I had a flashlight and I shone it around and I saw some eyes through the brush. He was just sitting there.”
Jordan went back in the house and called her cousin. Meanwhile, the bear had gotten through the fencing, but he left the paddock area and was circling around the barn. He wandered into the area between Jordan’s home and the barn. That’s when Warren shot him.
The bear is the second one shot in Franklin in recent days. Jordan lives just about three miles from the home of Jeff and Becka Gagne, where on Wednesday a hunter shot a female bear suspected of killing two goats in separate attacks at the farm over the past few weeks. That bear also was suspected of killing another goat at the farm of John Roscoe and Jennifer Minard in Sullivan, located about two miles from Jordan’s place.
Roscoe and Minard hoped to compare the DNA from the meat from that bear to scat taken from their farm in an effort to determine whether it was the same bear.
There have been reports of other bear-related incidents this fall in the area, although no additional reports of animals being killed. While the attacks may seem more frequent than is ordinary, Game Warden Dave Simmons said it is not abnormal behavior for bears and is not unusual in an area where there are a lot of bears.
Simmons said he didn’t like to see the bears killed but noted that all of the farmers had taken nonlethal measures in an effort to capture the bears.
“They exhausted the nonlethal methods,” he said.
Jordan said she is relieved that the bear won’t be bothering her horses anymore. But she said she remains on guard. Although her cousin shot one bear on Friday, he said he heard another one off in the woods calling.
“I’m relieved, but we think there’s another one out there,” Jordan said. “I’m keeping my horses locked up at night.”
That’s the advice Simmons offers to area residents. Bears are attracted to the smells of trash, birdseed and farm animal feed, he said, and he urged people to keep those kinds of things covered well. He also said that doors and windows on barns should be kept shut.
On 10/25/08 at 5:46 PM,
DowneastIdiot wrote:
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I have a feeling we are going to hear more and more of these stories, people will just start shooting them now saying they are after there animals
On 10/25/08 at 6:05 PM,
JohnLloydScharf wrote:
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As a species, bears are carnivores, though they will eat roots and berries IF THEY HAVE TO. I doubt that this bear was looking for roots or berries in this barn.
On 10/25/08 at 6:12 PM,
Lobstarok wrote:
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"DowneastIdiot" seems a fitting user name based on your comment
On 10/25/08 at 6:35 PM,
anonymousahole wrote:
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lobstarok, you sir are an idiot
On 10/25/08 at 8:19 PM,
stfrancis2 wrote:
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bears are not carnivores,there is a reason why these bears kept going back to the same places,if there is a good food source there they don't forget,maybe they were feeding them,to get them there,and they stopped and the bear is looking for other sources of food,people come from all over the states to bait bears,why wouldn't they do it if they knew the bears were in there back yards,we the humans are to blame ,its just like the bears in yellowstone people fed them,for entertainment,and they all ended up dead,because they did not know how to feed any other way,its not the bears fault,they cannot go to hannafords to get the meals,they are just trying to survive like us, and its a struggle to survive today,i think they are all freakin trigger ,and they both should be fined, if it was anothjer dog thaty attacked there dog,would they have shot ,you can't do that either,if there neighbor attacked there son,can you shoot the neighbor,no again there is a reason why those bears kept going back there...........................HELLO........................
On 10/25/08 at 9:32 PM,
furyguy wrote:
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For the "folks" that have a problem with dispatch of problematic bears, maybe you should return to wherever you came from.
On 10/25/08 at 9:36 PM,
Millinocket wrote:
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Maine Revised Statutes
Ch. 921 PDF
Ch. 921 Word/RTF
Statute Search Title 12 Contents List of Titles Disclaimer Maine Law Revisor's Office Maine Legislature Title 12, Chapter 921: WILDLIFE CAUSING DAMAGE OR NUISANCE >>>>>>>stfrancis2 READ AND HEED! AND BY THE WAY BEARS ARE OMNIVORES AND YES A BLACK BEAR CAN AND WILL IF OPERTUNITY PRESENTS KILL TO FEED, AS WELL AS EAT FRUIT, VEGETABLES , SEED OR DEAD ANIMALS FOUND . AS FOR BAITING BEING WRONG, I SAY PROVE IT! A HUNTER THAT USES BAIT HAS A CHOICE OF SEX,AGE AND CONDITION OF THE BEAR THEY HARVEST. ALL HUNTERS KNOW NOT TO TAKE A YOUNG SOW WITH CUBS OR YOUNG BOARS. THEY WOULD RATHER HAVE A BEAR THAT IS OLDER BIGGER AND BEYOND THE AGE TO COMPLETE WITH YOUNGER MATURE BOARS THAT DRIVE THEM AWAY FROM MATING AND FOOD SOURCES. AND NOT ALL HUNTERS BAITING GET A CHANCE TO TAKE A BEAR MOST BEARS HUNT AND EAT AT NIGHT(NOT ALLOWED TO HUNT AFTER SUNSET) bEARS ARE NOT STUPIS ANIMALS THEY ARE THE MOST SMART WILD CREATURE OUTDOORS. GET A SOCALLED BEAR PROOF CONTAINER AND SEE IF IT WORKS FOR YOUR BIRD SEED YOU GOT LUCKY THATS ALL< THAT THE BEAR DID NOT COME BACK. aND AS FOR THE LAST PART OF YOUR POST IF SOMEBODY ATTACKS MY DAUGHTERS THEY WILL ANSWER TO GOD, THEY LAWS OF MOST STATES ALOW THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHER FROM HARM, THIS IS MAINES 1-A. A person is not justified in using nondeadly force against another person who that person knows or reasonably should know is a law enforcement officer attempting to effect an arrest or detention, regardless of whether the arrest or detention is legal. A person is justified in using the degree of nondeadly force the person reasonably believes is necessary to defend the person or a 3rd person against a law enforcement officer who, in effecting an arrest or detention, uses nondeadly force not justified under section 107, subsection 1.
[ 1997, c. 351, §1 (NEW) .]
2. A person is justified in using deadly force upon another person:
A. When the person reasonably believes it necessary and reasonably believes such other person is:
(1) About to use unlawful, deadly force against the person or a 3rd person; or
(2) Committing or about to commit a kidnapping, robbery or a violation of section 253, subsection 1, paragraph A, against the person or a 3rd person; or [1989, c. 878, Pt. B, §15 (AMD).]
B. When the person reasonably believes:
(1) That such other person has entered or is attempting to enter a dwelling place or has surreptitiously remained within a dwelling place without a license or privilege to do so; and
(2) That deadly force is necessary to prevent the infliction of bodily injury by such other person upon the person or a 3rd person present in the dwelling place; [2007, c. 173, §24 (AMD).]
On 10/25/08 at 9:40 PM,
Millinocket wrote:
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Maine Revised Statutes
Ch. 921 PDF
Ch. 921 Word/RTF
Statute Search Title 12 Contents List of Titles Disclaimer Maine Law Revisor's Office Maine Legislature Title 12, Chapter 921: WILDLIFE CAUSING DAMAGE OR NUISANCE >>>>>>>stfrancis2 READ AND HEED! AND BY THE WAY BEARS ARE OMNIVORES AND YES A BLACK BEAR CAN AND WILL IF OPERTUNITY PRESENTS KILL TO FEED, AS WELL AS EAT FRUIT, VEGETABLES , SEED OR DEAD ANIMALS FOUND . AS FOR BAITING BEING WRONG, I SAY PROVE IT! A HUNTER THAT USES BAIT HAS A CHOICE OF SEX,AGE AND CONDITION OF THE BEAR THEY HARVEST. ALL HUNTERS KNOW NOT TO TAKE A YOUNG SOW WITH CUBS OR YOUNG BOARS. THEY WOULD RATHER HAVE A BEAR THAT IS OLDER BIGGER AND BEYOND THE AGE TO COMPLETE WITH YOUNGER MATURE BOARS THAT DRIVE THEM AWAY FROM MATING AND FOOD SOURCES. AND NOT ALL HUNTERS BAITING GET A CHANCE TO TAKE A BEAR MOST BEARS HUNT AND EAT AT NIGHT(NOT ALLOWED TO HUNT AFTER SUNSET) bEARS ARE NOT STUPIS ANIMALS THEY ARE THE MOST SMART WILD CREATURE OUTDOORS. GET A SOCALLED BEAR PROOF CONTAINER AND SEE IF IT WORKS FOR YOUR BIRD SEED YOU GOT LUCKY THATS ALL< THAT THE BEAR DID NOT COME BACK. aND AS FOR THE LAST PART OF YOUR POST IF SOMEBODY ATTACKS MY DAUGHTERS THEY WILL ANSWER TO GOD, THEY LAWS OF MOST STATES ALOW THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHER FROM HARM, THIS IS MAINES 1-A. A person is not justified in using nondeadly force against another person who that person knows or reasonably should know is a law enforcement officer attempting to effect an arrest or detention, regardless of whether the arrest or detention is legal. A person is justified in using the degree of nondeadly force the person reasonably believes is necessary to defend the person or a 3rd person against a law enforcement officer who, in effecting an arrest or detention, uses nondeadly force not justified under section 107, subsection 1.
[ 1997, c. 351, §1 (NEW) .]
2. A person is justified in using deadly force upon another person:
A. When the person reasonably believes it necessary and reasonably believes such other person is:
(1) About to use unlawful, deadly force against the person or a 3rd person; or
(2) Committing or about to commit a kidnapping, robbery or a violation of section 253, subsection 1, paragraph A, against the person or a 3rd person; or [1989, c. 878, Pt. B, §15 (AMD).]
B. When the person reasonably believes:
(1) That such other person has entered or is attempting to enter a dwelling place or has surreptitiously remained within a dwelling place without a license or privilege to do so; and
(2) That deadly force is necessary to prevent the infliction of bodily injury by such other person upon the person or a 3rd person present in the dwelling place; [2007, c. 173, §24 (AMD).]
On 10/25/08 at 11:43 PM,
knine620 wrote:
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maybe wardens should trap the bears and relocate them?
On 10/26/08 at 6:16 AM,
bobsiegler wrote:
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first of all it's her horse and barn, she was trying to protect her horse or prevent damage to her barn what's the difference, she has the right. the bear was on her property and was intent on getting into her barn. wasn't there so have to take their word on the killing of the bear.
On 10/26/08 at 8:54 AM,
anewday wrote:
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This shooting is oportunistic, plain and simple. My grannie could shoot a bear in that area, and deer, and raccons etc. This kill could have been an easy relocation to where hunters shoot bears in the deep wild. The bear's fantastic snout smelled grain thus kept coming back for the FEED IN THE BARN. No bear in October is looking for red meat, if anything he was looking for a place to nestle in for the winter. Such a waste. I'm sick of this cry baby attitude-- they'll be shooting crows out of the trees next. YOU are living in the bears land not the other way around. Who will protect the bears like they protect these horses? America is 'bass-backwards.'
On 10/26/08 at 9:15 AM,
momof2 wrote:
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I agree with some of you, I am afraid it will start being an epidemic of people having problems with bears all over now. You can shoot a bear anywhere and place it where ever you want and claim it was after your animals. We have to take her word that it was after her horses, we have no other choice. I also think that if the bear was not it the barn and was still looking for a way in and she had time to call her cousin to shoot the bear why did she not have time to call a WARDEN?
On 10/26/08 at 10:23 AM,
pcme2000 wrote:
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In this case the lady DID take measures to futher protect her horses. Unlike the other shoting thisa past week were the owners left DEAD ANIMALS (goat) purposly around to atract the bear back to shoot it. This lady she be left alone the first shooting should be brought up on traping charges though.
On 10/26/08 at 10:41 AM,
ydnar723 wrote:
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Some bored people out in that area...they shot a bear and killed it and they decide to call the media thinking this is news.
Love to post more but I just saw a Deer in the woods, I suspect it has been eating the apples off my tree (yeah just like it is natural for a bear to eat goats like it is for a deer to eat apples and I SHOULD take extra steps to protect these things but I won't because it is easier to pull the trigger) and when I kill it I am calling BDN because this...is news!
On 10/26/08 at 10:44 AM,
ydnar723 wrote:
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momof2- Great point but the Warden would have shot it too, remember the bear in Bangor? Warden would have made something up and shot it, that is why it is OK to do stuff like this, the State could care less. If Wardens can shoot bears near houses, the Warden probably would have only come out to take the body. It's great knowing how many trigger happy people there are now, not sure if kids should be out trick or treating, they might get shot and later say they thought it was a person who vandalized their carrot garden or something.
On 10/26/08 at 6:10 PM,
anonymousahole wrote:
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ydnar, you hit the nail on the head. keep it upgirl.
On 10/26/08 at 6:53 PM,
momof2 wrote:
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I know they a warden would have probably shot the bear, but at least if it were a warden then we would have more reasurance that the bear really was on their property and trying to get at their horses and not somebody just wanting to fill their freezer. I would like to have some faith in our game wardens, I would like to think that there are a lot of good ones who want to protect our wildlife. Not all are like that one up north out poaching moose. i know thats not what you was implying ydar723, i am just saying.
On 10/27/08 at 3:59 AM,
jelliebellie wrote:
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mabey it was just looking for the Charmin
On 10/27/08 at 8:27 AM,
LincolnMOM wrote:
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I was told by game wardens to shoot a baby porcupine who was in my yard for a week, he seemed injured. I called because I wanted to keep my daughter safely away for fear it had rabies etc. The game warden gave me PERMISSION to shoot and dispose of, which my husband did, while our daughter was at school. The game warden said there is not enough money in the budget for them to go out for every call all over the state, so homeowners DO have to takie into their own hands. BUT I would feel better having permission from them 1st!!! I would also not contact the news????Feel bad eough as it is doing it... don't need it plastered all over papers.
On 10/27/08 at 1:58 PM,
franklinwoods wrote:
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first of all to the people writing all these negative comments about the bears here in franklin. I dont beleive the people that shot the bears contacted the news paper. i beleive the wardens did that. We have lived here in franklin for 30 some odd years and never had a bear problem like this. these bears were hungry and wanted meat and thats probably why they were eating the goats from farms in sullivan and franklin, 2 pigs in sullivan and tryed several times to get at that womans horse.I call that one lucky horse.
I live in the area where the second bear was killed. I have children and yes i have been very nervous about them getting off and on the bus in the morning. I dont even let them play outside by them selves.
That same bear climbed my neighbors trailer, another neighbor came home one afternoon with both her children in her car with her, pulled in her driveway and guess who was on her deck?? A BEAR there was no nuts or bird seed on her deck.
I take it none of you have children or live stock on your property. If you did im sure you would understand.
we beleive there may be another bear around. Maybe one of you can come chase it back in the woods for us. while your chasing him you can hold a goats, im sure that would help
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