Douglas County Man Charged With Felony for Killing Mother Bear

A 37-year-old Douglas County man has been charged with a felony for the fatal shooting of a mother bear known to local residents, cbsnews.com reported. Calvin Lennberg faces a single count of aggravated animal cruelty following an investigation by Colorado Parks and Wildlife into the July incident on unincorporated land near Castle Rock’s Terrain neighborhood.

The Shooting Near Castle Rock

The incident took place on July 9, on unincorporated land directly adjacent to the Terrain housing development. Residents frequently observed the adult bear and her two cubs roaming the area, with some neighbors identifying the animal as Melanie. Jeff Berta, a local resident, recalled hearing the gunshots from his back porch and grabbing binoculars before spotting wildlife officers in the vicinity. Another resident, Chad Schnuelle, noted that the county sheriff contacted him for permission to access his property during the response. Following the shooting, wildlife officers euthanized the mother bear, tranquilized her two cubs, and transferred the young animals to a rehabilitation facility.

Lennberg Faces Felony Charge for Aggravated Animal Cruelty

Colorado Parks and Wildlife investigated the shooting, leading prosecutors to file a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty against Lennberg. Under state law, the offense is defined as the torture, needless mutilation, or needless killing of an animal. A conviction carries a potential sentence ranging from probation up to six years in prison. Public records indicate that Lennberg has no prior criminal history.

Community Reaction and Coexistence Efforts

Neighbors expressed surprise and dismay upon learning of the arrest. Berta emphasized that individuals should be held accountable if they break the law regarding local wildlife. Schnuelle noted that he had previously encountered bears on his property and had taken steps to secure his home and chicken coop, including installing bear-proofing measures. Local residents stressed the importance of minimizing human-wildlife conflicts during a summer marked by dry conditions that have brought hungry bears closer to residential areas.

Court Appearance Scheduled for October

Lennberg is scheduled to make his first appearance in court on Oct. 23 to face the aggravated animal cruelty charge. Reporters from cbsnews.com attempted to reach Lennberg for comment by phone, text, and an in-person visit to his home, but received no response.