A baby bear was found dead in Central Park Monday — and police believe it was likely “murdered.”

The black bear’s mutilated remains were discovered under a bush at the foot of a Civil War monument near West 69th Street and West Drive by two women walking their dogs at around 9:30 a.m.

“I thought it was a raccoon,” said Florence Slatkin, 79. “When I looked closer, it wasn’t moving . . . but my friend thought it was a bear.”

The NYPD’s Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad said the bear apparently was slashed and stabbed.

Cops suspect the bear was killed elsewhere and dumped. They are still investigating.