MISSOULA, Mont. — A sub-adult black bear has been relocated after several reports of close encounters with people north of Sheridan, Wyoming.
The female bear was trapped on July 5, after it was reported to be in the backyard of a residence that housed a flock of chickens and in an adjoining yard. Wildlife officials believe it was the same bear spotted on July 4 on the North Sheridan Pathway near Canfield Street. The bear was released in the Bighorn Mountains on July 6.
“Because the bear was reported quickly by the homeowners and other members of the public and because there was no known history of the bear repeatedly receiving human-provided attractants, it was considered a candidate for relocation,” Sheridan Wildlife Biologist Eric Maichak said in a press release. “Relocation is a management option when a bear has not established a pattern of behavior seeking out or becoming comfortable around humans and human-provided food, so we appreciate the public reporting conflicts as soon as possible.”