A yearling black bear spotted on Mount Lemmon and considered a public safety risk was captured Friday evening by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The female bear was relocated to Bearizona in Williams and arrived Saturday evening, according to a department news release.
Bearizona officials named her Lemmon.
The bear, which had apparently lost its fear of people, had been sighted on Mt. Lemmon eight times since late May, the release said.
Its behavior escalated and it had followed hikers and tried to enter an occupied cabin. It also frequented the Organization Ridge area.
“We are fortunate to have found a new home for him. That rarely is possible with common species like black bears,” Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson said in the release.
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“So this story has a happy ending, but it could have gone another way. Young bears that seem dangerous grow up to be large bears that are aggressive.”
Black bears usually avoid people, but are attracted to human food and trash. The department urges campers are be “bear aware” by:
- Keeping a clean camp or picnic site.
- Stowing food, pet food, trash and picnic coolers out of sight and out of smell range of bears.
- Using bear-proof food and trash receptacles where provided.
- Washing and stowing cooking utensils immediately after use.
- Not taking odorous items (toothpaste, lotions, etc.) or clothing used while cooking into tents.
- Keeping pets leashed.
- Avoiding contact with bears.
If bears are seen in the distance, the department advises visitors to change their route to avoid contact.
If approached by a bear, discourage contact by looking large and imposing, waving arms or jacket and making loud noises, and giving the bear an opportunity to leave the area.
If it does not leave, stay calm, face the animal, and slowly back away, the department suggests. Running should be avoided.
Bear sightings should be reported immediately to Arizona Game and Fish, 623-236-7201, at any time.
