Police are still searching for a bear that attacked a dog early Monday morning on water department property in West Hartford.
According to Lt. Jeff Rose of the West Hartford Police, the man who shot at the bear has been identified as Dan Sweeney of West Hartford. Rose said the dog was taken to a veterinarian. No blood was found at the scene, Rose said.
The property was temporarily closed while West Hartford police and state wildlife experts investigated the bear attack. According to information from The Metropolitan District (MDC), water department, officials reopened the reservoir and recreation areas on in West Hartford at noon today.
Rose confirmed the dog was off-leash when the incident occurred which is against the rules for public use of the property. Regulations also prohibit carrying or discharging firearms or dangerous weapons.
It is not known at this time what, if any, charges will be filed against Sweeney.
Bears have also been seen this summer in Cheshire and nearby towns.
