A warm and fuzzy ending to a rather hairy situation.
The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR) says the black bear that was spotted up in a tree in the Dartmouth Commons Thursday afternoon, has been released back into the wild.
We successfully released the black bear back into the wild after rescuing it on the Dartmouth Commons yesterday. This is always our preferred outcome. We only euthanize as last resort for public safety and/or when it's the most humane thing for the animal. Happy trails, Mr. Bear! pic.twitter.com/jmxfv2vFzz
— Natural Resources and Renewables (@NS_DNRR) September 20, 2024
While officials dealt with the bear, Dartmouth High School and Bicentennial were put into lockdown and the public was asked to avoid the area as a precaution.
DNRR says they tranquilized the animal before it fell safely onto a soft mattress and taken to a better area.
The department says they only euthanize as a last resort for public safety or when it is the most humane thing for the animal.
We’re pleased to report that our staff were successful in tranquilizing and removing a young black bear from a tree on the Dartmouth Commons today. They are relocating it to an appropriate location. Many thanks to @HfxRegPolice @hfxfire @RCMPNS for their help. pic.twitter.com/aH4eE7tjuK
— Natural Resources and Renewables (@NS_DNRR) September 19, 2024
They say when bears are getting ready for hibernation, they are looking for food.
DNRR adds, they are intelligent, curious, resourceful and persistent and are enticed by the smell of green and garbage bins.
They suggest things like storing garbage in a metal, bear-proof container and avoid putting certain foods like meat, fish or bones in the compost.
