California

Black bear with cubs this AM in a Monterey cypress tree by 101 in a Eureka commercial area. Four photos of bear and rescue at the link. Includes info about how the bears will be relocated and general info about agencies and wayward bears in California.

A WILD MORNING ON BROADWAY

Monday, 10 June 2024, 12:13 pm Lisa Music, Redhead Black Belt

This morning, southbound traffic on Broadway experienced slowdowns due to an unexpected rescue operation conducted by Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF) near Pierson’s Building Supply at the south end of Eureka. Both lanes of traffic remained open but many motorists slowed in an effort to get discover just what was happening in the tree just south of the building center entrance.

The traffic commotion involved a mama bear and her two cubs located in the tree. Earlier, motorists reported a mama bear and two cubs attempting to cross Broadway, a section of Highway 101 within the Eureka City limits. Crossing from the west to east side of the roadway, the mama bear led the way but her wayward cubs, perhaps spooked by traffic, made a U-turn and scaled the tree. Noticing their desertion, the mama bear followed suit, climbing the tree to join her cubs under the cover of the branches.

Humboldt Bay Fire was called to assist the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in safely removing the bears from their precarious position. The operation was delicate, aimed at ensuring no harm came to the animals or the responders involved.

According to Talia Flores, Public Information Officer for Humboldt Bay Fire, the rescue team initiated the plan by tranquilizing the mother bear. Once the tranquilizer took effect, HBF personnel raised their aerial ladder to gain access to the bears. A few limbs were cut to improve reach and visibility, allowing rescuers to safely retrieve the cubs first. The cubs were removed without injury, ensuring the safety of both the animals and the personnel involved.

Following the successful retrieval of the cubs, the team turned their attention to the mama bear. Ensuring she was securely positioned, the rescuers used the aerial ladder to bring her down safely. All three bears were then carefully placed into a truck for transport.

According to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the bears are categorized as “no harm, no foul” animals, indicating they had not caused any significant damage or posed a serious threat. According to Flores, the Fish and Wildlife agents stated they had approved relocation sites designated but were awaiting approval on their preferred option to relocate the mom and cubs to a state park location.

https://kymkemp.com/2024/06/10/a-wild-morning-on-broadway/