Several Chinese netizens have criticized police officers in northeast China's Heilongjiang province for opting to shoot and kill a bear, which had broken into a local middle school on Monday.

Local sources say the black bear broke into the Roache No.3 Middle School before dawn on Monday after wandering through a cornfield. A surveillance video uploaded by CCTV online shows as the bear makes its way into the school. An unidentified man is seen running to safety after he spots the animal. Later, the animal is seen acting aggressively and running in the hall of the building.

Like Us on Facebook

According to Xinhua, students were cleared from danger after being evacuated from their dormitories through a ladder. Police officers reportedly tried to use a tranquilizer gun to shoot the bear, but they say it was difficult to get a clean shot as the animal was "hiding in a corner."

Eventually, the officers decided to use a live weapon on the animal as it got increasing aggressive. "At this point, the bear had gone on a rampage. It was growling and could have attacked someone at any moment," a member of the rescue team revealed. An eyewitness has also disclosed that the bear was "roaring" and it looked "upset and aggressive."

Since images of the dead bear surfaced on social media, many Chinese netizens have expressed sympathy for the animal. While some people's comments criticized the police for choosing to use a live weapon on the animal, others questioned where the bear many have come from.

There have been several bear sightings recently in Heilonjoang province, which shares a border with Russia. Chinese state media claim this is due to the improving environmental conditions in the area. However, critics say it could be linked to rapid deforestation due to urban expansion.

In September, Chinese state media aired a video recorded by a fisherman from Heilonjiang province, which showed three wild bears swimming in the Wusuli River. The bears later ran into the forest.

TagsBlack Bear Chinese School, Roache No.3 Middle School, Black Bear China School, Black Bear China