UPDATE: Bear That Attacked, Ate Goat Still On The Loose

The black bear that entered a residential backyard Tuesday and attacked a goat was not found after it fled into the woods and is still on the loose, Department of Environmental Protection officials said.

The bear was reported just after 7 a.m. Tuesday morning on Cliffside Road in Chester Township when it entered a backyard, attacked a goat and began to eat it, police said. The animal then scampered into the woods when police arrived.

Initially, when officials with the Division of Fish and Wildlife went searching for the bruin in the Tiger Brook Park area, the plan was to euthanize the animal for its aggressive behavior.

DEP spokesman Larry Hajna said that mindset has changed Wednesday after further review.

A portion of electric fence was not yet installed at the residence where the incident took place, police said, which meant the bear did not necessarily break through or breach any barrier to get into the yard.

Because of that, Hajna said, the bear’s actions were not considered a category one attack and the bear won’t be euthanized if located.

The property owner is finishing the enclosure properly and will contact the DEP if the bruin returns, Hajna said.

Anyone who comes across an aggressive bear is urged to contact police immediately.