ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (KVOA) – In Oro Valley, a bear that was caught on camera has been moved out of the area. The animal was captured by Game and Fish officials after several days of sightings.

Game and Fish says the bear, caught in a yard not long ago, is now east of Douglas. However, they noted that it may not be the same bear seen inside the Fry’s near Oracle and First.

The bear, weighing about 100 pounds, was released by Game and Fish. Despite its size, it was enough to prompt action from residents like Debbie Deschenes.

“It was exciting – it was scary – something I’ve never seen before,” Deschenes said.

Deschenes lives in Stone Canyon off Rancho Vistoso. The bear was caught on camera in multiple spots on her property, including the front yard, side yard and near a trap set up by Game and Fish.

“He just shows up every few days strolling through our yard like he owns the place – it was pretty interesting,” Deschenes said.

The bear is not the only wildlife in the area.

“Living in this community, it’s like a wildlife sanctuary,” Joe Deschenes said.

Residents have seen a variety of animals, from javelina to smaller creatures.

“Every night it was a different animal,” Deschenes said.

However, encountering a bear is quite different and rare.

“It did surprise me,” Deschenes said.

Mark Frieberg with Game and Fish explained that bears in Southern Arizona do not hibernate for extended periods like in other regions. The drier and warmer weather this year has led to more bear sightings in the Tucson area.

“They’re really coming into town and in urban areas and look for more food and more resources – anything that they can find,” Frieberg said.

With the bear now far away and its image caught on video, residents like the Deschenes are hopeful that routine activities won’t be disrupted.

“I guess we just keep living our life day to day and hope that we don’t see another one,” Deschenes said.

Game and Fish also emphasized that bears are more active in the early morning before sunrise. This is a time when many people are walking pets, so staying alert and “bear aware” is crucial.