KIROTV.com News 

Story

Freeway Bear Captured

From KIRO 7's Jeff Dubois at 8:18 a.m.:
We're on our way toward the Mount Baker Ski area, where the black bear will be released. We plan to have video of the release later today on KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.


STANWOOD, Wash. -- Late Thursday night, wildlife officials were able to trap the black bear that was making a freeway median between the north and south lanes of Interstate 5 near Stanwood its home.

As a KIRO news crew was returning from another story in Skagit County Thursday night, they happened upon wildlife agents loading the steel bear trap with the adult black bear trapped inside.

SLIDESHOW: Bear Seen Frolicking At Roadside Home

VIDEO: Bear Trapped By Tempting Bait

RAW VIDEO: State Patrol Plane Over Bear

Agents told KIRO's Gary Horcher that the bear was caught around 11 p.m.

"(The bait) was kippered herring, doughnuts, salmon, bacon grease, syrup and honey. Everything in that burlap bag was gone. Can't say he didn't have a treat," said Sergeant Joe Orfor of the Stillaguamish Police Department.

The bear, which was tranquilized Friday morning, will be tagged and taken to the Mount Baker area. Officials want to find an area without snow so the bear's normal activities won't be disturbed.

Wildlife agents said they knew the bear was living in the 60-acre greenbelt for the last three years, eating grass and skunk cabbage, but hadn't been a threat to anyone until the animal was spotted wander too close to I-5.

On Thursday morning, Chopper 7 was live over the bear as it ate grass and ran across an open area.

More Headlines

Fun Slideshows

Steve Jobs switched from a turtle-neck to a crew-neck, but the rest of the event announcing the latest in Apple's popular consumer product line was the same hype that reporters have come to expect. View Images ››


Images In The News

Interstate-5 in Snohomish County shut down near Everett following a police pursuit of a vehicle. View Images ››


SeattleInsider

They're baaaaaaaaaack! More hilarious wedding photos that will have you laughing in seconds! Full Story ››


Celebrity Spotlight

There's more to Canada than hockey, as these actors and actresses remind us of all our neighbors to the north have to offer. View Images ››

Something Extra

Are you all set for the new school year? Check out these 26 tips before the first bell rings. Full Story ››


KIROTV on Facebook