Cops Had Right to Shoot Bear, State Says

The state trooper who killed a bear cub that had been hit by a car on Interstate 80 West in Parsippany Sunday was within his legal rights to do the act, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. DEP spokesperson Larry Rangonese, in a Daily Record report, said that police have the authority to take discretionary action when an emergency situation calls for it. A Ridgefield Park resident struck the bear early Sunday morning. The driver was not hurt and State Police say no charges were filed against her. The bear cub, who police said had to be put down, will be used for research.