Public Media from Michigan State University

Officials Tranquilize, Capture Black Bear In Grand Rapids

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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.

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