SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — State wildlife officials say a black bear in Christian County was euthanized this week because someone in the area was feeding it, causing the animal to no longer avoid humans.

The Missouri Department of Conservation says the 250-pound bear couldn’t be relocated to a more remote location, because once a bear associates people with food, it will continue to seek residences or neighborhoods in search of food.

Regional wildlife supervisor Tim Russell says the bear had been seen many times snooping around a home. Russell says if someone had accidentally startled the animal, it could have taken a swipe at that person.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that wildlife employees euthanized the bear Monday after it was caught on a homeowner’s property.