WILKES-BARRE — A black bear that regularly attracted gawkers during its forages through a restaurant's Dumpster was illegally killed with a crossbow, the state Game Commission said.

The bear, weighing nearly 600 pounds, was at least 10 years old, said wildlife conservation officer Dave Allen.

"It's a senseless waste," Allen said.

Customers and employees of the High Elevations restaurant in Kidder Township had seen the bear for years and nicknamed it "Teddy."

Patrons would often call to ask what time the animal would appear, said employee Lisa Fisher.

"He was so calm and big. People would sit in the parking lot or watch him from the windows of the restaurant," Fisher said. "He would eat out of the Dumpster, but he never caused a problem."

The bear made its final visit to the garbage bin on Wednesday, when it was shot with a crossbow, stumbled 25 yards and collapsed in a parking lot.