DEC tranquilizes, safely relocates bear in Poughkeepsie neighborhood

A black bear in a heavily-populated Poughkeepsie neighborhood was tranquilized and safely relocated by the Department of Environmental Conservation on Friday.

The bear was spotted on Mansion Street, around 8 a.m., just as officials say kids were walking to two nearby schools.

Residents cornered the bear up a tree to keep both the bear and kids out of harm’s way, according to Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers.

“We were concerned about the kids at both elementary schools and so until the kids get more educated on what to do when they see a bear in sight, we just want to make sure the bear is safe and our kids are safe,” says Flowers.

The DEC tranquilized the bear, which then fell from the tree, around 11 a.m.

Neighbors were seen watching the activity from across the street and applauded when officials carried the sedated animal using a net into a DEC bear trap.

Flowers says the bear was spotted in the densely populated neighborhood roaming through yards for two days before Friday’s events.

DEC officials will not say where the bear is being relocated. Residents in the area say they’re happy everyone - and the bear - is OK.

“I’m glad it’s safe and going back to its natural environment,” says Chris Petsas. “Obviously, the City of Poughkeepsie is not a place for a bear.”

For DEC tips on what to do if you see a bear in your neighborhood, visit www.bearwise.org .

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