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Man may face charges after killing bear cubs going through his trash

EVERGREEN, Colo. - A Colorado man is facing charges after allegedly shooting at a momma bear and her two cubs going through his trash, killing the two cubs, reports CBS Denver.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said they received a call about 5:15 a.m. on Tuesday that a man had shot at the bears.

CBS Denver reports that the man and his family were woken up by the three bears as they were going through the family's trash outside. As a result, the homeowner fired two rubber buckshot rounds at the bears to try and scare them away.

But when the man's dog ran to chase the bears, the homeowner feared for his dog's safety.

CBS Denver reports that the man fired a third round which was a live bullet. One bullet struck and killed one of the cubs. It also hit the other bear cub. The second cub was severely injured and had to be euthanized.

CBS Denver reports that the mama bear ran across the street and up into a tree.

The final bullet also went through a neighbor's window.

CBS Denver reports that the Jeffco Sheriff's Office is discussing charges with the Jeffco District Attorney's Office. The charges being considered include a felony illegal discharge of a firearm and two misdemeanor charges of hunting out of season.

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