A black bear captured in Logan over the weekend was evaluated and then eventually euthanized due to poor health after it was spotted running around a highway on the south side of Logan on Saturday.
Black bears are the only species of bear in Utah, and they live and roam across much of the state.
According to Crystal Ross, Division of Wildlife Resources Conservation Outreach Manager for the Northern Region, the decision to euthanize the bear was made based on several factors and followed DWR policy, weighing both animal welfare and human safety.
“In this instance, the bear was in poor physical condition. When our team captured it, the animal was severely overheated, reaching a temperature of nearly 107 degrees, and was in bad shape,” Ross said in an email to The Herald Journal. “This severe physical distress, combined with the fact that it had spent multiple days roaming residential areas and losing its natural fear of people, created a volatile situation.”
She added that, generally, finding suitable places to relocate a bear in these situations has become increasingly difficult.
“With the current lack of natural food, continued urban development and the increasing popularity of Utah’s backcountry, it is very hard to find an area where we can confidently release a bear — especially one already in failing health — without it either starving or immediately coming into contact with humans again,” Ross said.
Ross noted that euthanasia is not the first choice for DWR biologists and officers.
“Euthanizing wildlife is the worst part of our jobs,” she said. “Our staff got into the wildlife profession because they love wildlife and want to help it and see it thrive. Euthanizing wildlife is not something they want to do.”
Black bear sightings and issues in Utah have become more common, and the DWR is dealing with more bear issues this year than last year. This is in part due to drier conditions creating a limited food supply.
“Drought conditions impact plants and other root-like vegetation, which make up 90% of a black bear’s diet, so DWR biologists think bears may be looking for alternate food sources in other areas this year with the extreme drought conditions,” Ross said. “The lower food supply has led to more bear conflicts this summer as bears are looking more broadly for food, particularly with an increase in incidents of bears getting into people’s garbage and scavenging for food in campgrounds.”
Ross urged Utah residents to practice good bear safety.
“Residents can help black bears in Utah by making sure to keep a clean camp and yard, and bear-proofing your food and garbage, as well as not leaving out trash cans if you live in the foothills or canyons,” Ross said.
Safety tips for encountering a black bear in Utah:
- Stand your ground. Never back up, lie down or play dead. Stay calm and give the bear a chance to leave. Prepare to use your bear spray or another deterrent.
- Don’t run away or climb a tree. Black bears are excellent climbers and can run up to 35 mph — you cannot outclimb or outrun them.
- Know bear behavior. If a bear stands up, grunts, moans or makes other sounds, it’s not being aggressive. These are the ways a bear gets a better look or smell and expresses its interest.
- If a black bear attacks, always fight back. And never give up! People have successfully defended themselves with almost anything: rocks, sticks, backpacks, water bottles and even their hands and feet.
For more tips on staying safe around black bears, visit the Wild Aware Utah website.