Film Festival bear snatched

MILFORD — Nancy Pitcher, the executive director of Milford’s Black Bear Film Festival was astonished Tuesday to discover the theft of the black bear that stands outside the festival’s office on Water Street. Pitcher said the bear, which was undecorated and used to promote the festival, was stolen sometime between 5 p.m. on Monday and 11 a.m. on Tuesday. She reported the theft to the police and told the Courier, “The bear’s approximate value is $200, and this iconic symbol of the festival should have been respected.” She said that a reward of four movie tickets is being offered for the safe return of the bear. Milford police are investigating.