Mink, The Popular Wandering New Hampshire Bear, Found Dead

HANOVER, N.H. (CBS/AP) – A New Hampshire bear who gained headlines for being saved and relocated, but later journeying miles back home with her cubs has died.

Mink the Bear was set to be euthanized in 2017 along with three of her offspring after repeated problems with them feeding from trash and bird feeders culminated with two bears entering a home in Hanover.

An online petition gained over 10,000 signatures and Gov. Chris Sununu ordered the bears be relocated to far northern New Hampshire. This spring, however, Mink returned home to her preferred environment near Dartmouth College.

In recent days, New Hampshire Fish and Game noticed a lack of activity being recorded on Mink's tracking collar. Mink's remains were found on a gravel bar in the Mascoma River in Lebanon.

According to Valley News, environmental officials did not find any bullet fragments and instead believe Mink was likely hit by a car.

Gov. Sununu reacted on Twitter to news of Mink's death.

Fish and Game officials are hoping to locate Mink's cubs so they can bring them to Kilham Bear Center in Lyme for the winter.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)