We need to learn to coexist with wild critters in their habitat by keeping our eyes open and not leaving temptation out for them.
This is becoming more and more of a problem in the Puget Sound area:
Black Bear Caught In Bremerton
May 29, 2006
By KOMO Staff
BREMERTON - It's been a rather common story over the past few weeks: a bear spotted in a populated area. Monday was no different in Bremerton.
A 150-pound black bear was spotted in a Bremerton backyard around 6 o'clock in the morning.
"We got a phone call from my cousin saying, 'There's a bear in your backyard,' " said Ewona Harris. "We get up, and sure enough, he's in the tree."
Wildlife agents set up a net underneath the tree and then waited for a clean shot to tranquilize the bear.
"The sergeant and I darted it," said Wildlife Official Sgt. Ted Jackson. "And the drugs, thank goodness took effect. It pretty much makes the bear go to sleep. And then the bear came down on its own; gravity helped us out here."
Agents say it is the 7th bear caught in Kitsap and Pierce Counties this year. But to find one in Bremerton is uncommon, and they aren't sure how the 1 1/2-year-old bear got there.
"For it to get into Bremerton, it's a rare occurrence," Jackson said. "I believe this little black bear was up further north (Sunday) and that age bear is just trying to find its own territory."
Branches, the net, and part of a fence helped break the bear's long fall. Wildlife agents say the bear's vital signs were good and agents will let the bear recover, then tag the bear and release him into the wild further north. |
