Black bear roams through backyards in Utah neighborhood, home video shows
A bear spent an afternoon roaming through the backyards of a Utah neighborhood nestled in the foothills, home surveillance video shows.
The bear was first spotted around noon near Logan, a town about an 85-mile drive north from Salt Lake City, the Logan City Police Department said in a Tuesday, Oct. 1, post on Facebook. The department also shared video of the bear roaming just on the other side of a backyard chain-link fence.
But by the time an animal control officer got to the area, the bear was nowhere to be found, the department said.
The bear wasn't spotted again until about 5:30 p.m., the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources told McClatchy News in an email.
Division biologists spotted the roughly 3-year-old male black bear and tranquilized it for a ride out to the mountains, where they released it, division spokesperson Faith Jolley said.
The division's statement reassured concerned residents that it was indeed a black bear and not a grizzly.
"Black bears are the only species of bear currently found in Utah," the division said. "They can be found in the foothill areas, canyons and other similar habitats throughout Utah."
People who encounter bears in those areas don't need to report the sighting unless the bear is "being aggressive or if they are getting into trash, fruit trees or causing damage," the division said.
"However, you should report a bear that has wandered into lower-elevation areas and is within city limits or in heavily-populated areas" like this bear was, the division said.
Jolley shared a webpage with guidance on how to avoid attracting bears to homes and safety tips for those who encounter bears.
Those who see bears in residential areas can call Logan police dispatch at 435-753-7555 to report it, the department said.
Some said in the comments on the department's post that they had seen the bear.
"It went right through my yard tonight," someone said. "It was cool to see."
But not everyone was so delighted by the bear's presence in the neighborhood. One resident told KSL-TV she rushed home and saw the bear strolling through her backyard and right up to the back window where she was watching it from.
"I was very frightened," Colleen Gordin told the station. "I think I screamed. I was going to video it, but then I forgot to turn the button on. That's how scared I was. When you're within two feet of a bear, even though there's glass between you, it's scary."
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you're a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don't want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don't scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Don't let kids run away from the bear. It could think they're small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don't make any sudden movements.
Don't drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don't run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don't climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
