ERIE, Pa. -- A polar bear at the Erie Zoo may have to be euthanized if a second team of veterinarians determine that the animal's broken leg cannot heal, zoo officials said.

"The initial prognosis is not encouraging," zoo spokesman Scott Mitchell said yesterday after a group of veterinarians examined X-rays of Alcor's leg.

Officials believe the bear was hurt Aug. 11 while frolicking with his brother in a zoo exhibit, even though no one saw the injury occur. The broken leg was discovered when zoo officials later saw the bear trying to walk without using his front right leg.

The veterinarians said they believe the break is so close to the paw that there is no way to secure it long enough with rods or pins to allow it to heal. A second team was to examine the bear and the X-rays today and determine whether the animal will have to be euthanized.

Alcor and his brother, Mizar, both nearly 8 years old, came to the zoo in 2001. Because Alcor weighs 750 pounds, doctors said he could not survive on just three legs, as cats, dogs or other smaller animals are able to do.