A black bear was tranquilized and then removed from downtown Worcester on Friday, news outlets reported.
The young bear, who wildlife officials estimated to be a year old and weigh roughly 80 pounds, was seen climbing up a tree on Gates Street in Worcester, according to WCVB.
The animal was immobilized before being moved to a forested area nearby “for the safety of both the public and the bear,” NBC Boston reported, quoting Dave Wattles, the black bear and furbearer project leader at MassWildlife.
MassWildlife employees were seen carrying the bear to a truck. The animal was then laid on ice with its head in a wrap, according to NBC Boston.
The animal could have caused crashes on the road where it was discovered, Wattles told NBC Boston.
The bear was likely separated from its mom in the past month or so, WCVB reported, citing Wattles.
“These bears are now leaving their territory and spreading out and finding new places,” Wattles told WCVB.
There are at least 4,500 black bears in Massachusetts, and they are expanding eastward, according to MassWildlife. The state agency recommends the public take down their bird feeders, secure human food sources on their property and protect their pets to avoid interactions with the animal.
“The presence of a dog could trigger a bear to be aggressive,” MassWildlife said in a statement in March. “Check your yard for bears before letting your dog outside. Keep dogs leashed when they’re outdoors and never let dogs chase or interact with bears.”
