AWCC spokesperson Ethan Tyler says Shaguyik, or "Shaggy," was shot by a renter on private property at about 7 p.m. Wednesday. Center staff subsequently verified the bear’s identity with a microchip scan.
“This is a tragic end to this event,” said Mike Miller, the center's executive director. “Everyone at the center was distraught to hear the news.”
Alaska State Troopers spokesperson Beth Ipsen says Alaska Wildlife Troopers are looking into the incident.
Shaguyik was welcomed to the center in 2010 as one of two Kodiak brown bear cubs orphaned when their mothers were shot by hunters in defense of life or property. She escaped from the facility after an electric fence was shut down for maintenance, prompting a week-long search by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, as well as prolonged efforts by center staff and volunteers to find her.
The other orphaned Kodiak bear cub, Taquoka, was flown from Alaska to its new home in Sweden this week. Shaguyik was slated to accompany him on the trip until her escape.
This is a developing story. Please check KTUU.com and the Channel 2 newscasts for updates.
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