Bear in tree makes for wild afternoon in Wildwood

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This article was published 21/05/2024 (533 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NO doubt a black bear who wandered into Winnipeg’s Wildwood neighbourhood Tuesday was just looking for a “pic-a-nic basket.”

The area may not be Jellystone Park, but its urban tree canopy is attractive all the same.

The appearance of the bruin — who’s rumoured to be “smarter than the av-er-age bear” had people scrambling for cover, and summoning Ranger Smith, a.k.a. conservation officers.

Residents were relieved when the interloper was no longer a threat.

A provincial spokesman said conservation officers had cordoned off a street where the bear climbed a tree.

“We can’t dart it now because it is too high and, if it falls, it could get hurt,” the spokesman said.

“(Conservation officers) will try to keep everyone back, so the bear comes down on its own, and then they will take steps to safely relocate it.”

The bear moved low enough that officers were able to chemically immobilize it at about 11 p.m. Tuesday. A spokesman for the provincial government said it would be relocated safely out of the city.

Jeff Eyamie, who lives in the neighbourhood, said the bear, which people described as ‘medium sized,’ was spotted by residents.

“I was talking to a woman who has lived in the area for 50 years and she said she had never seen a bear there,” Eyamie said.

“Everyone is relieved it is no longer wandering through the neighbourhood — you never know what could happen. It looks like the bear has made itself cosy for the afternoon and evening.”

Eyamie said he spoke with one conservation officer who said the bear would be moved back to the wilderness once it comes down the tree.

“He said once the mosquitoes come out, they will chase the people away and once the people are away the bear will come down.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca