Bear in Baker City tranquilized and relocated

BAKER CITY – (Release from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office) It was a “bear-y” interesting morning for Baker City residents!

Baker County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a report of a bear on the Quail Ridge Golf Course at approximately 7:55 a.m. Baker City Police Department, Oregon State Police and Baker County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area.

As BCPD law enforcement personnel spotted the bear, he made his way down to Foothill Drive. Deputy Mills followed the bear through a residential area and eventually treed him at an apartment complex. Brian Ratliff with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, Ratliff tranquilized the bear. The bear became tangled in the tree branches and did not drop to the ground as expected. Jeff Smith, owner of J2K Excavation, allowed personnel on scene to utilize his bucket truck. Nolan Perkins, Sheriff Ash and Brian Ratliff ascended the tree in the bucket truck, removed several branches and ultimately freed the bear. The bear was unharmed and was transported by ODFW to be relocated.

Thank you to Nolan Perkins, Jeff Smith and Brian Ratliff for assisting.

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