Dead bear dumped outside Northern Calif. market

[October 23, 2010]  SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (AP) -- Sightings of black bears are not uncommon in California's backcountry or even around trash bins in Lake Tahoe. But in a strip mall along a busy San Francisco Bay area freeway?

That's the strange situation the Alameda County Sheriff's Office is investigating after someone dumped a dead 300-pound bear outside a small San Leandro grocery store.

Sgt. J.D. Nelson tells the Oakland Tribune that a white pickup truck was seen depositing the bear's body Sunday night and speeding away. The animal had been shot in the shoulder.

But why it was left where it was remains a mystery.

California Department of Fish and Game spokesman Kyle Orr says bear-hunting season opened last month in some parts of the state.

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Information from: Oakland Tribune, http://www.oaklandtribune.com/

[Associated Press]

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