A 37-year-old Douglas County man faces a felony aggravated animal cruelty charge in connection with the fatal shooting of a mother bear near Castle Rock’s Terrain neighborhood in July, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. The shooting happened on unincorporated land next to the neighborhood. Wildlife officers responded and euthanized the bear, then tranquilized her two cubs and took them to a rehabilitation center. Prosecutors have charged Calvin Lennberg with aggravated animal cruelty, a felony under Colorado law that covers the torture, needless mutilation or needless killing of an animal. The charge carries a possible sentence ranging from probation to six years in prison. Lennberg is due in court for an initial appearance on Oct. 23. Residents said they had often seen the bear and her cubs in the area. One neighbor, Jeff Berta, said residents had come to think of the animal as their “neighborhood bear” and had named her Melanie. Berta said he heard the shots on July 9 and then saw wildlife officers nearby. Another resident, Chad Schnuelle, said he was surprised to learn Lennberg was accused in the case. Schnuelle said he had no previous problems with his neighbor and wanted to understand more about what happened. Lennberg did not respond to requests for comment. The killing has renewed calls from residents for people to take steps to live alongside bears. Schnuelle said he has bear-proofed parts of his home and chicken coop after past encounters with the animals. The case comes amid increased bear activity across Colorado. Drought conditions can push bears toward people in search of food, and wildlife officials have reported a record number of bears euthanized this summer. Berta said he hopes the case encourages more awareness of ways to reduce conflicts and avoid the need to kill bears.