Officials working to track young black bear spotted in SaddleBrooke

A young black bear sighted in SaddleBrooke Thursday has officials on alert. 

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is working to find and capture or lure away the bear, described as weighing 75 to 100 pounds and possibly 1 to 2 years old.

The bear was first seen on the SaddleBrooke golf course at approximately 8:32 a.m. Thursday. It was also observed later in the morning making its way into a homeowner's backyard near the golf course. 

Later in the day, around 3:30 p.m., the bear was spotted again about 100 yards southeast of the main golf course clubhouse.

“This bear appears to be disoriented, and may be unable to find its way out of the community,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson. “It may have left the area overnight."

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However, should it still be in the area, community members should call Game and Fish at 623-236-7201.

"They should not approach the bear, which while probably young still can be dangerous, and not feed it,” Vega added.

If confronted by a bear, stand your ground waving arms overhead, maintain direct eye contact, yell, and throw objects reachable without stooping down. If the bear refuses to leave, back away slowly.

Game and Fish staff will continue to monitor the area closely in the coming days.