News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A woman has been arrested amid accusations her serial bear-feeding has led to a number of the creatures menacing her neighbours.

Jo Ann Medina, 62, is suspected of giving food to at least six of the giant mammals outside her home in Colorado.

Footage captured by a neighbour appears to show the animal-lover leaving snacks out, standing near a large bear and cleaning up faeces left by the animals, according an arrest warrant.

Medina was released from the El Paso County jail yesterday, reports The Gazette.

Wildlife experts are now trying to trap the bears Medina is said to have lured to the area.

(Image: CPW)

Three of the beasts are tagged, meaning they will probably be killed if caught.

Medina has been warned for a string of bear-feeding incidents dating back to 2007 with neighbours often complaining about her behvaiour.

One woman complained that a bear "charged" her and another counted at least 10 bears visiting Medina's house seeking food in 2012.

Wildlife spokesman Matt Robbins said it had been "going on for years".

He added: "It's not only illegal, it's extremely dangerous. Bears can become aggressive around food and they lose their desire to forage."

(Image: CPW)

Luring and feeding bears is barred by a Colorado state law, but arrests are extremely rare.

When suspected of feeding bears in 2009, Medina told an officer that "it was the will of God for her to continue feeding the bears" to help them survive, another citation said.

Medina told The Gazette the bears were "just getting ready for winter" and feeding them was "not a big issue."

Michael Tassler, who moved next door to Medina six weeks ago, said: "They're awesome creatures, but they don't need to be fed by human beings."