Black bear killed near Visalia after it ‘acted aggressively’
A 150-pound bear has been killed near Visalia after it acted aggressively when officials tried to relocate it, wildlife officials said Thursday.
The male black bear had wandered to an agricultural area in Visalia, where it stayed for more than five days, until it was killed Wednesday, according to a statement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Officials feared the bear would cross a well-traveled road to a residential area, and they tried to trap and move him.
“Although non-lethal means were attempted, the bear acted aggressively, and due to concerns for the safety of staff and dogs, the bear was taken. The safety of the public and staff are always our foremost priority,” the statement said.
The department tried traps, aerial support and ground searches to find and dart the bear. Search hounds, called in for public safety concerns, located the animal.
The same bear was spotted in Bakersfield in early May. He was tranquilized and released about 100 miles away in an undisclosed area before making his way to Visalia.
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