GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A bear that closed down streets in a Green Bay neighborhood has left.
Green Bay police confirmed the bear got down from a tree in the area of Lore Lane around 11 p.m. Monday and headed south.
The bear has not been seen since around midnight and police say hopefully it went to a more rural area.
All area street closures related to the incident have been lifted.
Police were called to the west side neighborhood around 5:40 a.m. Monday for a report of a bear in a tree.
Officers, the DNR and animal control officers, were on scene for more than 17 hours.
The DNR says officials had a trap in place and if the bear went into the trap, they would have transported it out of town for release, but it left on its own.
“While I can understand people’s interest and curiosity in situations like this, if someone wants to do what’s best for the animal, it is to let it be. Stay away from the area and give the animal a chance to leave on its own. Almost 100% of the time an animal will leave under the cover of darkness the first chance it has. It’s our job as animal lovers to minimize the amount of stress the animal is under while it waits,” Steve Burns of the DNR wrote.
He adds that many agencies, including the DNR, have policies against chemically immobilizing (darting) an animal up a tree.
“It’s important to note that the shear presence of a wild animal, such as a bear, in town does not necessarily constitute a concern. Unless an animal is causing damage, is in danger itself, or is a danger to people a response isn’t necessarily needed. However, in a situation like yesterday which occurred in a relatively densely populated area, a coordinated response can ensure the best possible outcome,” Burns explained.
Officials say the bear appeared totally healthy, without any injury or illness, and there were no reports of property damage.
