A young black bear that ended up in town in Bend will be released back into suitable habitat on the Deschutes National Forest.
The male bear is approximately 7-8 months old, a “cub of the year” that would have been born in late winter (January or February).
While young bears are typically still with their mothers at this age, they are also capable of surviving on their own in the wild. It is unclear why the bear was separated from its mother prematurely. ODFW has received no reports of a dead sow in the area.
“We have no reports of damage associated with this bear, so it’s likely the young bear just got confused and wandered into town,” said Andrew Walch, ODFW Deschutes district wildlife biologist.
ODFW had tranquilized the bear earlier today after being alerted by the Bend Police Department. The bear had wandered into the 62000 block of Boyd Acres Road and was also seen yesterday around NE 18th Street and Cooley Road.
“We are glad we were able to get this young bear back to the wild and thank the Bend Police Department for their assistance and the public for alerting us to the bear,” continued Walch. “The young bear is in good physical condition which should increase its survival chances.”
Bears are feeding on a variety of plants, nuts, seeds, and berries at this time of year. The bear was released into what biologists considered good bear habitat which should also improve the chances for a successful outcome for this animal.