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Mama bear, 2 cubs relocated in Northern Arizona

Mama Bear, 2 Cubs Relocated in Northern Arizona

Game and Fish Staff Use Nonlethal Deterrents to Move Family Away from Developed Area

A mama bear and her two cubs have been relocated after spending several days in a developed area in northern Arizona. The bears were first spotted on June 10 in the Timberline area of Flagstaff. They were seen several times in the area, including in a backyard and on a porch. Game and Fish staff used nonlethal deterrents, such as rubber bullets and bear spray, to move the bears out of the developed area. The bears were relocated to a more remote area of the forest on June 12.

Relocation Efforts

Game and Fish staff worked with the U.S. Forest Service to find a suitable relocation site for the bears. The site was chosen based on several factors, including the availability of food and water, the presence of other bears, and the distance from human development. The bears were transported to the new site in a culvert trap.

Nonlethal Deterrents

Game and Fish staff used a variety of nonlethal deterrents to move the bears out of the developed area. These deterrents included rubber bullets, bear spray, and noisemakers. The deterrents were used to create an unpleasant experience for the bears, encouraging them to leave the area. Nonlethal deterrents are an important tool for managing human-bear conflicts because they allow Game and Fish staff to move bears away from people without harming them.

Human-Bear Conflict

Human-bear conflicts are becoming increasingly common in Arizona as the bear population grows and people move into bear habitat. Bears are attracted to human development because of the availability of food and water. However, bears can be dangerous when they come into contact with people. Game and Fish staff work to minimize human-bear conflicts through education, enforcement, and relocation.

If you see a bear, do not approach it. Give the bear plenty of space and leave the area. If a bear enters your home, stay calm and back away slowly. Do not run or make sudden movements. If a bear attacks you, fight back with anything you can find.