Black bear captured in Montgomery County after days on the run
WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- After several days roaming communities across Montgomery County, a black bear has been captured by state game wardens, officials said.
The bear was cornered in a wooded area near Second Avenue and Skippack Pike in Whitpain Township, behind residential properties. Wardens used a tranquilizer dart to subdue the animal.
"He came right out like 30 yards and bedded down. I put one right in the shoulder, he ran a little bit and crumpled up next to a fence and he was asleep," said Pete Lucas, a state game warden.
The capture followed numerous sightings reported throughout the region. Since Tuesday, the bear had been seen in Towamencin Township, Lansdale and surrounding areas, as it moved through neighborhoods and open spaces. Residents photographed and recorded the animal as it traveled, drawing widespread attention.
"Look at the bear, there's a bear there," Diane Williams said upon spotting it near her home earlier in the day.
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Williams said the experience left her shaken.
"I was frightened. I would have loved to have taken a picture, but of course I was too scared," she said.
Authorities said reports continued to pour in as the bear moved through residential areas, prompting a coordinated response.
"There was just numerous calls coming in. Repeatedly seeing it in people's backyards. So we set up a perimeter to try and locate it," said Sgt. John Gallagher of Whitpain Township police.
After establishing the perimeter, game wardens moved in with tranquilizer equipment and a large bear trap. Following several hours of work, they emerged with the subdued animal, preparing it for relocation.
"He's going to go back up north to an area where there won't be such a risk of human wildlife conflict," Lucas said.
Officials said the bear will be transported to a more remote location, reducing the likelihood of further encounters with residents.
