MA:Handgun Defense against Black Bear

WEST SPRINGFIELD - A Sikes Avenue man shot and killed a black bear with single pistol-shot to the head Friday night after it started to go after his small dog, police said.

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"He went outside and saw the bear," Ryan said, adding that it likely weighed more than 250 pounds. "He made a few attempts to scare the bear off. It didn't work and the bear started to go after the dog."

The bear got to within a few feet of the dog and the homeowner then shot it once, just above the right eye.

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