"Blackie" Ursus, a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, died suddenly on November 22 in the town of Fawn. She was three years old.
The cause was a gunshot wound to the chest, according to family members.
Born in Potter County in 2008, Blackie enjoyed outdoor activities as a cub. "I think Potter County was a little too tame for her," his mother said today. "And I encouraged her to leave. I think she was looking for a little more excitement in a bigger town."
"Everybody was scared when she first moved in, but she turned out to be a sweetie," said a neighborhood raccoon. "She could really sniff out food. We tried to help her keep a low profile, but it's kinda hard when you're that big."
"We're all going to miss her. A few of the squirrels are having a really hard time with it because they saw her get shot."
In addition to her mother, Blackie is survived by a twin sister and several younger siblings. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, and are being handled by the Game Commission.
