Parks and Wildlife catch loose bear on Springs east side

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reported that a bear was discovered running around a neighborhood on the far east side of Colorado Springs, far from its natural habitat on Monday, June 3. CPW officers Travis Sauder, Sarah Watson, and Demetria McDowell responded, hoping to prevent the bear from eating garbage and getting into trouble.

After tracking down the bear, the team sedated it, put a blindfold and hobbles on it before loading it in a trap for transportation to the mountains. They were then free to take it to prime bear habitat for release.

Many bears end up in areas that can increase the chance of dangerous contact with people during the summer. CPW offers these “ Bear Aware ” tips:

• Don’t feed bears or put out food for other wildlife that could attract bears.
• Be responsible about trash and bird feeders.
• Burn food off barbeque grills and clean the grill after each use
• Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including for home, garage, and vehicles.
• Don’t leave food, trash, coolers, air fresheners, or anything that smells in your vehicle.
• Pick fruit before it ripens, and clean up fall fruit.
• Talk to your neighbors about doing their part to be responsible.
• If you see a bear near your home, do your best to chase it away by yelling, blowing a whistle, clapping, and making other loud noises. Never approach a bear.

For more information on bears and tips on how to handle a sighting, click on the link above.

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