Halton police shot and killed a black bear in a Burlington park Wednesday after the animal was seen wandering close to peoples’ homes.

Residents reported seeing the 400-pound animal lumbering in Mountainside Park in the Mountain Rd. and Queen Elizabeth Way area around 10 a.m.

And while police reportedly called the Ministry of Natural Resources for help, officers were forced to shoot the animal after realizing help was unavailable.

“We do not have tranquillizer guns or that capability, nor are we trained to (use) them,” said Halton Regional Police spokesman Sgt. Dave Cross.

“Our officers do not relish having to dispatch an animal, but our options were extremely limited,” Cross added in a statement.

It has also been reported that City of Burlington Animal Control was also contacted, but those at animal control claimed to not be adequately equipped to deal with the situation.

The bear, an adult male, reportedly had at one point ventured within nine metres of a house.

Ministry of Natural Resources told police it would be time consuming - and risky - to try and immobilize then relocate the bear themselves.

Minister of Natural Resources Michael Gravelle reportedly said earlier this week that the ministry would no longer tranquilize and relocate wild bears, adding that bears were returning to the same areas despite the effort.