TRAVERSE CITY (WWJ) - A burly black bear drew quite a crowd while wildlife officials worked to capture and relocate the animal after it scaled a tall tree in a Traverse City neighborhood over the weekend.
Traverse City Police, Department of Natural Resources scientists and conversation officers and Traverse City Light & Power employees all grouped together to get the roughly 350 lbs. bear down from its perch safely after it was spotted in he residential area on Mother's Day.
According to DNR Wildlife Assistant Mike Kowalski, they were first notified of the early morning neighborhood loiterer just before 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 14. By the time the DNR arrived at the scene, Traverse City police had blocked off the area and the bear had scaled a 30-feet tree.
Over the next few hours, curious onlookers and concerned neighbors gathered around the operation as crews worked to get the bear down from the tree.
Around 1 p.m., the bear finally fell asleep after it was tranquilized with several darts. As reported by Mlive, several residents became concerned about the bear getting hurt if it fell that high off the ground and Grand Traverse County Commissioner Ashlea Walter offered some mattresses from her house across the street.
Kowalski told Mlive that officials originally planned to harness the bear and lower it to the ground while asleep using a “dead man rescue” technique, but the bear fell as rescuers were working to secure it -- right on to the provided mattresses.
The bear tumbled and landed "butt-first" on a mattress, which was the best possible outcome, Steve Griffith, a department wildlife biologist, said.
“They’re a tough animal, obviously they are in trees all the time and they do have accidents in the wild,” Griffith said earlier. “But in general, no, they can take a pretty good fall.”
Officials immediately checked the bear's vitals and removed the darts from its rump. Once the bear was given the all-clear, fight fighters, police and DNR officers hauled the estimated 350 lbs. male bear into special carrier on a trailer where it would be hauled out far from the city and released.
“Now he’ll go for a long ride, probably 50-60 miles at minimum,” Griffith said.
The black bears are not an uncommon sight in Northern Michigan, it can be dangerous when they roam in neighborhoors or come into contact with humans.
According to the DNR, black bears are very active this time of the year as they begin leaving their dens and looking for food in late-March to early May.
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Officials reminded Michiganders of the following tips to best curb problematic bear behavior.
• Never intentionally feed a bear
It may seem obvious, but engaging in this behavior will encourage the animal to hang out in the area.
• Remove bird feeders
If you like viewing birds from the comfort of your home, consider planting native flowers and shrubs this spring that will draw birds in.
• Bring in outdoor pet foods
A bear’s ability to smell far exceeds the human nose.
• Keep grills and patio furniture clean.
While you may not be able to smell the pet food and spills on your patio, a bear certainly can.
• Secure dumpsters and keep garbage cans indoors overnight
Take garbage cans to the curb the morning of pickup.
• Protect beehives with electric fencing.
Especially if the apiary is in a rural or forested area.
For more information and tips on black bears, visit here.
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