The Arizona Game and Fish Department is warning residents in some southern Arizona communities to be on the lookout for a bear.
Officials say the same black bear has been spotted in Green Valley and Sahuarita, two communities south of Tucson.
Mark Freiberg with Game and Fish said the bear is likely just passing through and unlikely to become a nuisance. He said trash or pet food could attract bears and should be kept inside.
“If a bear or wildlife in general find food that’s being left out by the public, they may sit there and stay at that spot and that can become problematic,” Freiburg said.
Freiberg said if the bear becomes problematic, it could be trapped, tranquilized and relocated. If it becomes dangerous, it may be put down, he said.
He said bears tend to wander into populated areas when it’s hot and dry.
Freiberg asks the public to report any bear sightings to Game and Fish at 623-236-7201.