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Sick Bear Euthanized After Wandering Oregon Towns
26 Jul
Summary
- A young bear was euthanized on July 11 due to poor health and habituation.
- The bear traveled over 25 miles through various Southern Oregon communities.
- Wildlife officials urge public not to interact with habituated wildlife.
A young bear's extensive journey across Southern Oregon concluded with its humane euthanasia on July 11. The approximately 1- to 2-year-old animal was first sighted in late June near Phoenix and subsequently seen in Medford, White City, and Shady Cove, covering more than 25 miles.
Oregon State Police fish and wildlife troopers responded to reports of the bear in Shady Cove, finding it in visibly poor health. It was described as severely emaciated, lethargic, and showing a significantly reduced fear of humans.
Initially, officials hoped the bear would return to a natural habitat. However, its deteriorating condition and increasing comfort around people presented safety concerns for both the animal and the public.
Wildlife officials emphasize the importance of not feeding or approaching wild animals in populated areas. They advise securing trash and pet food and reporting unusual behavior to prevent wildlife from becoming habituated to human environments. In this case, the bear's condition had worsened to a point where euthanasia was deemed the most ethical option.
