Ohio property owner gives eviction notice to owner of bear that killed its caretaker

Eviction notice goes to owner of Ohio killer bear

COLUMBIA STATION, Ohio — A lawyer says an eviction notice has been served on the owner of a bear that killed its caretaker in northeast Ohio.

A lawyer for property owner William Arroyo says tenant Sam Mazzola was notified Thursday he has to move unless by Sept. 27 he gets insurance to cover accidents involving his exotic animals.

Authorities say Mazzola had bears, wolves and possibly a lion and a few tigers at the property.

One of Mazzola’s bears killed 24-year-old Brent Kandra last week during feeding and was euthanized.

Attorney Brian Kraig says Arroyo bought Mazzola’s property southwest of Cleveland in March and was having problems with him over unpaid rent and lack of insurance. He says Mazzola has 30 days to appeal the notice.

Mazzola has said he’s satisfied with safety procedures at his compound and his methods are “up to code.”

Information from: The Plain Dealer, www.cleveland.com