A male black bear found itself trapped in a manhole in a residential area of Colorado Springs on Thursday, prompting a swift response from wildlife officers. The bear, weighing between 225 and 275 pounds, was discovered near the intersection of Cheyenne Boulevard and Lorraine Street, close to North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
According to Tim Kroening, Area Wildlife Manager with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, public works employees played a critical role in the bear’s rescue by temporarily removing the manhole cover. “We originally heard that there might be cubs with the bear,” Kroening explained. “But this is a male, so no cubs.”
In an effort to safely guide the bear away from the area, officers employed a wildlife management technique known as “hazing.” This approach involved firing a beanbag round to encourage the bear to climb a nearby tree. Hazing is a non-lethal method designed to deter bears from frequenting human-populated areas.
Once the bear was securely perched in the tree, the wildlife officers withdrew from the scene. “It will likely stay up there until after dark,” Kroening noted. “You can never really tell with a wild animal, but we think he’ll come down when there aren’t any people around. Just keep your distance, and leave it alone.”
Local residents expressed relief at the successful rescue and were reminded of the importance of coexisting with wildlife. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife management teams in urban settings, where encounters with bears and other wild animals can occur unexpectedly.
As wildlife officials continue to monitor the situation, they emphasize the need for caution and respect for the bear’s natural behaviors. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and to keep a safe distance from wild animals to ensure both human and animal safety.