© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Officials Tranquilize, Capture Black Bear In Grand Rapids

Black bear in a meadow
skeeze
/
Pixabay

Authorities in western Michigan have captured a wild black bear that climbed into a tree in a residential neighborhood.

A state Natural Resources biologist tranquilized the bear about 12:30 p.m. Thursday in Grand Rapids.

Officials estimate the bear is about 2 years old and weighs about 125 pounds (56 kilograms).

WOOD-TV reports that the bear is expected to be released a few counties north of Grand Rapids.

Police began tracking the male bear's movements around 9:30 a.m. after receiving a report that it was in the neighborhood. By 9:50 a.m. the animal was up a tree.

Wild bears occasionally make their way into the area. In 2011, a pickup driver struck and killed a black bear that was roaming along Interstate 96 in Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids' human population is about 190,000.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!