LIVONIA TOWNSHIP, Minn. (WCCO) — A bear killed a dog in the back yard of a residence in Livonia Township near Zimmerman Monday, according to the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office.

The female bear was with three cubs feeding at a bird feeder at the time of the attack.

According to Sheriff Joel Brott, it’s not rare for bears to be spotted in Sherburne County, but it is rare for there to be an incident like this one.

Brott added that it is during this time of year when bears have exited their winter dens, hungry and their natural food sources are not yet available to them. Bears will then turn to bird feeders, garbage, dog food and even barbeque grills.

If anyone sees a bear and is concerned, they are asked to call Assistant Wildlife Manager Nick Snazely at 320-255-4279 or Conservation Officer Mitch Sladek at 763-497-5880. If a bear is an immediate threat, call 911.

For more information on bears and how to live near them, check out the DNR’s landowner publication.