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Franklin County, MO (KMOV) - Experts think a black bear may be responsible for attacks on dogs in the area from Robertsville to Lonedell.

As many as three dogs have recently been attacked, with one injured so badly it had to be put to sleep.

The veterinarian who treated the dogs believes it's a black bear.      

The State Conservation Department warns these bears are drawn to food sources such as trash bins and dumpsters and over time they can also lose their fear of humans.