A black bear at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming had to be put down after brazenly seeking out human foods and handouts.

The bear showed no fear of humans and was approaching people looking for food, said park staff. "The bear was highly food conditioned and routinely visiting campsites and picnic tables and approaching vehicles in the Jenny Lake and String Lake areas," a park release said. 

"On Wednesday, the bear walked into an occupied campsite of a family with children and went directly to the picnic table and began eating the campers’ food that was set out," the release added.

Park staff moved the campers to another site and the area was closed so the bear could be safely captured.  The bear was trapped and killed Thursday evening. The female bear weighed about 60 pounds and was estimated to be about 1.5 years old.

Grizzly and black bears thrive in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller Jr., Memorial Parkway. Visitors may encounter a bear anywhere and at any time. Wildlife are unpredictable. Feeding wildlife in a national park is illegal, and presents severe risks to the animal and to humans.

The proper storage of food items and responsible picnicking are vitally important in bear country. Odors attract bears into campgrounds and picnic areas. Picnickers should only have immediate use items out so that if a bear approaches, food items can be quickly gathered and the opportunity for the bear to receive a food reward is removed.

Visitors should store food and scented items in bear-resistant food lockers that are located throughout the park or in a hard-sided vehicle. Do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter in campsites.