Two Bear Sightings In Two Days

By Reporter Linda Garrett

lgarrett@kgun9.com

Tucson - A lackluster monsoon maybe contributing to a growing number of human conflicts with desert wildlife.

In the last two days, two black bears have been spotted within Tucson city limits. With a large number of people heading to Mt. Lemmon for Labor Day, state game officials are warning you to be cautious.

"Be Careful," screamed a little girl, as her siblings ventured away from their campground on Mt. Lemmon.

It's the type of warning you'd expect to hear late at night while sitting around the campfire.

"It's a little shocking at first," said Mike McCracken

Only this time it's very real. Tucson saw two bear sightings in just two days. The large powerful animals somehow made it down from the Catalina Mountains and ended up on the east side of town. On Friday a parent spotted a black bear crossing the playground at Fruchthendler Elementary School. Less than 24 hours later another sighting at Udall Park.

"What do you think about bears in the city?" asked reporter Linda Garrett.

"That's weird, answered a little boy. "I've never seen a bear in my life."

"It's pretty startling," said Nick McClure.

Startling and unusual, but the lack of rain maybe to blame. Typically this time of year the bears are in search of food and water and will travel great distances to find it. As a result, forest officials have put up signs warning campers on Mt. Lemmon to lock up food and trash. They're also asking visitors to be "bear aware."

If you encounter a bear, don't panic and don't run. If you do, the animal might instinctively want to chase and catch you. Try and make yourself appear larger; put your children on your shoulders. Also, face the animal and slowly back away.

"They say don't outrun them, make a lot of noise," said camper, Randy Dorris.

The best way to accomplish that is to bang pots and pans together or use whatever is available. Also, never get between a female bear and her cubs. She maybe prone to attack to protect her young ones.

In this case no one was injured, but if you spot a bear in your neighborhood call game and fish. Officials can tranquilize the animal and release it back into the wild.