A man from northeast Alaska said he shot and killed a polar bear earlier this month that tried to get into his cabin, about 20–miles outside of Arctic village. According to the Associated Press, Jim Hollandsworth reported the Bear encounter after he went to check his trap line.

“My dog barked and the bear was in my back, right behind me. I jumped back inside, grabbed my rifle... by the time I turned around, it was headed for the door. Said Hollandswoth

Polar bears are federally protected species, with the exception of self–defense killings.

Although it's unusual for bears to stray as far as Arctic Village, polar bear researcher Eric Regehr says it seems to happen particularly with young bears.

He said it's not clear if they get mixed up, or if they are inexperienced and go the wrong way.

Alaska State troopers and the U-S fish and Wildlife were notified and are investigating this case.