Bear shot dead after repeatedly approaching homes near Jyväskylä

A bear that had been repeatedly spotted near residential areas in Muurame and Jyväskylä has been shot dead on police orders, Yle reports.

According to a police statement, the bear made repeated visits to private yards, leading authorities to conclude it posed a danger to the lives and health of local residents.

Several sightings of the bear were reported over recent days. On Monday, it was spotted near the Leikari daycare centre in Muurame, prompting staff to keep children indoors until the animal had moved on.