NEWBERG, Ore. (KATU) — A bear cub was spotted in Newberg, and wildlife officials are warning people to keep any possible food sources out of its reach.
An Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) official said the black bear cub is about 1 or 2 years old.
It wasn’t approaching people or showing any concerning signs, ODFW says, and they expect it to find a more suitable habitat soon.
To make sure the bear doesn’t stick around the populated area, wildlife officials say it is important not to feed it. That means limiting food access by doing things like securing garbage cans, cleaning barbecues, feeding your pets indoors, and getting rid of fruit under trees.
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“Also people should not approach the bear cub,” said Michelle Dennehy with ODFW. “The best thing to do is to keep it from becoming habituated to people so it moves on naturally.”
There are many other tips about living with black bears on the state’s website.
If you see a bear, you can report it to the ODFW Sauvie Island office at 503-621-3488 or by filing a report online. If there’s a risk to public safety, call 9-1-1.