Bear killed after breaking into Yukon University building

A black bear was killed by conservation officers after it broke through a door and got into Yukon University's mainbuilding in Whitehorse on Thursday night.

Yukon conservation officers say they're not sure what prompted the animal to enter the building.

It happened late Thursday evening. Officers say the bear broke through an exterior door and a window to get into the building, and was then let out througha door opened by staff.

Conservation officers arrived to find the animal by the gymnasium. It was then killed "to address safety concerns," according to a statement from Yukon Conservation Officer Services.

"The bear, having entered a facility, is not a candidate for relocation. This can become learned behaviour where bears will try again. The bear also demonstrated habituation to people," the statement reads.

"This is an unusual occurrence for Whitehorse; however, bears have been known to enter structures such as cabins or sheds in search of food."

They thanked the university staff for their "quick thinking and for keeping students and staff safe."

In an email to faculty, staff and students on Friday, the university said the entry way doors damaged by the bear had been temporarily repaired and were operational.

They also advised people to be"bear aware," particularly on the trails and wooded areas around campus.