MT. PLEASANT (WWJ) -- A 150-pound black bear that wandered into a Mt. Pleasant neighborhood has been safely captured and relocated, according to authorities.
The male bear was spotted Tuesday morning in a tree near Fancher and Mosher streets, a residential area just north of Central Michigan University.
Because the animal was so far inside city limits, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) teamed up with local police, firefighters, and city workers to intervene.
Using a city bucket truck to keep the bear from climbing higher, wildlife officials used a dart rifle to tranquilize the animal.
A crowd of local residents watched from a distance as the sedated bear fell roughly 18 feet, landing unharmed on a thick pole vault pad borrowed from Mt. Pleasant High School.
“Eventually, he would come down out of the tree, probably at night, but removal is the safest situation for people and their pets and the bear,” said Mark Boersen, a DNR wildlife biologist who participated in the rescue. “Everything worked out well.”
DNR State Wildlife Veterinarian Scott Larsen and wildlife biologists then conducted a medical workup.
The bear was deemed healthy, fitted with a red identification ear tag, and transported 60 miles away to a swamp in the Houghton Lake area.
The bear is shot with a tranquilizer dart.
Michigan DNR
Where Did the Bear Come From?
While it is unclear exactly where the bear originated, DNR wildlife biologist Brian Piccolo noted it likely traveled from the Chippewa River corridor, located about a mile and a half west of the neighborhood.
This incident follows another confirmed bear sighting just three weeks ago in Monroe County's Carleton/Flat Rock area.
While the vast majority of Michigan’s estimated 12,000 bears live in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, officials emphasize that mid-Michigan and southern Michigan sightings are becoming more common.
According to Boersen, bears are currently entering their breeding season and traveling long distances in search of food and mates. "Just because you live in the city doesn’t mean you won’t encounter wildlife there," Boersen added.
How to Avoid Attracting Bears
The DNR reminds Michigan residents that they can prevent bear encounters by removing common food temptations from their yards.
- Remove bird feeders: Take them down during the spring and summer months.
- Secure trash: Wait until the morning of collection day to put garbage curbside.
- Clean up food scents: Keep outdoor grills clean and avoid leaving pet food outside.
