Police officers have shot and killed a black bear in West Vancouver after it broke into homes in the neighbourhood and stole food from their refrigerators.

The bear was shot by West Vancouver police around 2 p.m.

The male bear, estimated to be between four and five years old, broke into several neighbourhood homes over recent weeks, and had learned how to open fridges to reach the food inside.

At one point, the bear reportedly stole a plate of brownies from a local shed and sat on the lawn to eat the treats.

"We've been getting at least two to three (calls) daily on this bear, and most of it is related to garbage or trying to get into houses, or even in houses. He was in two houses today," B.C. Conservation Officer Jack Trudgian told CTV News.

Police say the bear had become so aggressive in seeking human food, they had no choice but to shoot it.

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