(WWJ) Authorities in and around Traverse City have set traps to try to catch a mischievous bear.
According to Grand Traverse Central Dispatch, which covers Traverse City and Grand Traverse County, it appears a bear that was removed from Garfield Township earlier this year has made his way back to the area.
Officials said the bear has been frequenting Veterans Drive and the surrounding area, mostly at night; targeting bird feeders, trash bins and fruit trees.
The DNR has placed a few traps around in hopes of catching and relocating the bear once again.
However, dispatch said Sunday, "So far he is proving to be clever and elusive."
Video posted to YouTube in early September shows a bear running around outside a Red Lobster restaurant in Traverse City. It's not clear, though, if this is the same bear.
Back in April, 9&10 News reported that a troublesome bear’s favorite hangout was a Meijer parking lot on the west side of town, where it was knocking over dumpsters and stealing bird food.
Eventually, the bear was caught by DNR officers at an apartment complex, with plans for relocation to a remote area further north.
While a few on social media have called for the bear's demise, many others are defending the animal, pointing out that it has not attacked or otherwise harmed anyone.
Meanwhile, people in the Northern Michigan community — a vacation home hotspot that's popular among tourists in the summer and fall — are asked to keep an eye out for the bear, and "stay safe."
The Michigan DNR says the black bear (Ursus americanus) is the only species of bear found in Michigan; mostly in heavily forested areas.
Black bears are shy by nature, the DNR says, with prevention cited as key to avoiding people-bear conflicts. The best way to decrease your chances of having an encounter with a bear is to not leave food out where a bear could get to it. Learn more about bears in Michigan HERE.
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