Mike just too much to bear

Published on 21/02/2013 00:00

A BROWN bear dubbed Mike by its fans has been shot and killed by gamekeepers in a mountainous border region in south-eastern Switzerland after several run-ins with locals.

How to deal with the bear had sparked controversy between gamekeepers and environmentalists far outside the Graubuenden canton, home to famous winter holiday resorts such as St Moritz, Klosters and Davos where the animal was most often spotted.

Gamekeepers said Mike had increasingly pushed into populated areas and shown no fear of people, presenting a major safety risk.