A Connecticut father was arrested for fatally shooting a black bear outside his home — even though he claimed it was self-defense after the terrifying animal came “within feet” of his kids.

BETHLEHEM, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) – A father in Connecticut was arrested after he said he shot a bear in self-defense to protect his family. The shooting happened at Todd Topicz’s home in August.

W.COM. HOW ABOUT THIS BEAR IN THE BACKYARD? THIS IS VIDEO SENT IN TO OUR NEWSROOM FROM A VIEWER IN KARNS CITY SAYING THIS BEAR WAS SPOTTED ON HIS BACK PORCH PATIO EARLY SATURDAY MORNING.