Black Bear Tranquilized and Captured After Roaming Through D.C. Neighborhood

Created: JANUARY 24, 2025

A black bear caused a stir in a Northeast D.C. neighborhood on Friday morning, prompting road closures and warnings for residents to stay indoors. The bear was initially spotted around Franklin Street, attracting onlookers as it spent several hours in the area, including a considerable amount of time perched in a tree.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) issued alerts about the bear's presence shortly before 7:30 a.m. and advised people to remain inside their homes while the animal explored backyards. The bear eventually descended from the tree and continued its wanderings through residential properties, as reported by the MPD on Twitter. Images from the scene documented the bear's arboreal activities.

Black bear looking down from tree

After several hours, authorities successfully tranquilized and captured the bear. Veterinarians from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and representatives from the Human Rescue Alliance and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources were present during the operation. The bear was secured in a crate and transported from the scene in a truck.

MPD officers at black bear scene Black bear spotted in tree

While this incident unfolded in the nation's capital, another recent bear encounter made headlines in upstate New York. A homeowner's security footage captured a bear casually entering her kitchen, leading to a surprising confrontation with the family dog.

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