S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Police in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County say they caught a four-legged trespasser early Tuesday morning.
A bear was captured beyond the tree line behind a baseball field by the Lehigh Valley Sports Complex at 4238 W. Walnut Street in Allentown at 5:30 Tuesday morning.
The park backs up to Route 309 and law enforcement feared the bear might get out onto the highway.
69 News obtained exclusive video of the elusive Black Bear that had been spotted walking around the Lehigh County Sports Fields this week.
“See them all the time, man. A lot of time they’re crossing the road. It’s very dangerous for them. Most of the time they stay in the wooded areas. Only when they want to cross,” said Michael Nickols of Henryville.
The bear was captured after being lured into a trap last night.
Photo from South Whitehall Twp. Police Facebook page
South Whitehall Police say they used expired Dunkin Donuts as bait.
“Well I feel bad for the bear, but at least it’s safe,” said Todd Lockwood of East Stroudsburg.
Pictures reveal this was a young black bear. A spring chicken if you will.
Wildlife officials say It’s the time of year where mother bears kick out their young.
“Well it’s humane to take the bear and take him back to be loose in the woods instead of out here in the park, so it’s a good think that they take care of these animals like that,” said Nickols.
The Game Warden tranquilized the animal, pulled a tooth, and measured the length of its chest.
Plenty of others were there to ‘bear’ witness.
Wildlife officials tagged the ears, loaded it into a transport culvert trap, and released it in a safer area.
“Other than that, I’m glad they got the bear and release him into a wooded area where he can go on about his business,” Nickols said.
South Whitehall police say they are planning to set two more traps tonight, just to be on the safe side.
It’s encouraged to report any new sightings to the Game Commission. Visit www.bearwise.org for useful information pertaining to bear encounters, safety tips and backyard resources for living responsibly with black bear.