Black bear overstays its welcome in day-trip to Clarkston
By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
CLARKSTON – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officers were called in after a black bear overstayed its welcome during an impromptu day trip to Clarkston Heights.
The Asotin County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to several reports of the bear wandering through residential yards. Witnesses reported the furry tourist swam across the Snake River from the Lewiston area before making its way into Clarkston Heights.
Deputies began tracking the bear from Deer Pointe Drive down to the 2400 block of Fourth Avenue. The bear eventually found a cozy patch of shade under a tree in a yard, where it laid down and appeared to take a nap.
Because the bear was not acting aggressively, deputies secured the area and kept people at a safe distance so the bear was not disturbed.
WDFW officials arrived and tranquilized the bear. It was then removed and relocated in the Blue Mountains.
“Our deputies did a great job of keeping track of the bear, securing the area, and allowing our partners with Fish and Wildlife to handle the situation safely,” Asotin County Undersheriff Blake Richards said. “Thankfully, the bear wasn’t aggressive and seemed more interested in finding a cool place to take a nap than causing any trouble.”
Screenshot of the bear enjoying his nap from a video taken by Asotin County Deputy Snyder.
