TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is cautioning people in the Fort Lowell Park area and along the Rillito River to be cautious of a black bear that may be roaming the area.
The bear, identified as a young adult and reddish-brown in color, was first spotted Sunday near North Campbell Avenue and East River Road. It was seen again at 2:11 p.m. Monday near North Craycroft Road and East Glenn Street, but has yet to be located by AZGFD.
AZGFD officials believe the bear is non-threatening based on its behavior. Despite its apparent fear of humans, if seen, the public should report it immediately to (623) 236 - 7201.
The department speculated that the young bear, without its own established territory, likely descended to the Tucson area from the Santa Catalinas in search of food and water and may use the Rillito River as a corridor.
Black bears from the same area were seen in La Paloma in 2017 and 2018, according to the AZGFD.
As a reminder, the AZGFD recently said big sources of water are likely to attract large predators as temperatures rise, and those leaving out water sources for animals should limit quantities to a pie tin-sized container in the interest of public safety and safety for the wildlife.
Those concerned about wildlife's access to water during the drought are encouraged to text SENDWATER to 41444.
RELATED: Bear spotted multiple times in Tucson
Shout out to Willcox FD for partnering with us to truck 6,500 gallons of wildlife-saving water to a remote catchment in the Dos Cabezas. Their water tender shuttled 2K gallon loads to us & we took it up from there. High temps & drought are back. Help by texting SENDWATER to 41444 pic.twitter.com/kuapFky1So
— AZ Game & Fish Dept (@azgfdTucson) May 16, 2022
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Anne Simmons is the digital executive producer for KGUN 9. Anne got her start in television while still a student at the University of Arizona. Before joining KGUN, she managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and has worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector. Share your story ideas and important issues with Anne by emailing anne.simmons@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
