A 250-pound black bear was pulled from the window well of a Colorado home and rescuers put it down three hours away.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A 250-pound black bear stumbled into a window well in Colorado and required rescue.
The bear took advantage of this awkward situation. Kristen Nedbalek was returning home to Falcon, Colorado, just outside of Colorado Springs, when she spotted the bear taking a nap in an unusual spot.
“When we first came here, you know, the lights were off. It was quiet, it was just sleeping,” she told CNN. “I just sat here and watched it for 20 minutes while I was waiting, it was so surreal.”
After calling for help and letting the bear doze off in its makeshift den, wildlife officials arrived and injected the bear with a tranquilizer.
They had to lift it through the basement window into the home to eventually get it out.
The bear was released about three hours away in a more bear-friendly location and away from the window well.
Travis Lau of the Pennsylvania Game Commission said WPMT It’s not uncommon for black bears to wander into neighborhoods this time of year.
“The main driver of entry into areas where bears are typically inactive is the dispersal of yearlings,” Liu said.
Young male bears can travel up to 14 miles to find a new home. Trash cans, bird feeders and pet food can also lure bears into developed areas.
What to do if you spot a bear
“If you happen to open your door and find a bear in your backyard, whistling and calling out to it to get that bear’s attention in some way is usually enough to get the bear away,” Liu said.
Black bear attacks are rare, but they do happen. two hikers Being attacked by “one or more” bears This week in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
While bears may not harm people often, they may become aggressive if they feel cornered. Experts advise dog owners not to get involved if they encounter a bear.
Bearwise.org If you know there may be a bear nearby, you are also encouraged to be aware of your surroundings and remove “attractants” once the bear is gone.
