[ODFW-News] Captive black bear removed from residence

[ODFW News]

For immediate release Monday, October 24, 2005
 
Captive black bear removed from residence
 
ROSEBURG - Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division
officers, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
and the Coos County District Attorney's Office, today removed a black
bear from a Coos County residence as a result of an investigation into
allegations the bear was being unlawfully held in captivity. The bear,
which was approximately 1-1/2 years old, was moved to an approved
holding facility while the investigation continues. Charges may be filed
following a review by the Coos County District Attorney's Office.
 
The investigation began in August 2005 after an OSP Fish and Wildlife
officer received information that a black bear was being held in
captivity at a Coos County residence near the West Fork Millicoma River.
Additional information that the black bear had reached a weight of
approximately 150 pounds indicated a potential public safety concern.
 
The investigation could find no record that a permit had been issued to
hold the bear in Oregon. Such permits require individuals and facilities
to undergo rigorous inspections to ensure the animals are being treated
humanely; receive appropriate food, shelter and exercise; and do not
pose a danger to humans or pets.
 
"ORS 497.308 prohibits individuals from capturing and removing any wild
animal from its natural habitat and holding it in captivity without
authorization from ODFW," said Ron Anglin, administrator of ODFW's
Wildlife Division. "In this case, the holders of the bear did not have
that authorization." 
 
Habituation to humans poses a threat for both the individuals holding a
wild animal and any neighbors or visitors, as well as pets and
livestock, noted Anglin. 
 
"Wild animals retain their natural instincts, which makes them
potentially very dangerous, especially when the animals are raised to
have no fear of humans," said Anglin.
 
OSP officers served a search warrant today at the residence. The
officers and ODFW biologists tranquilized and relocated the bear to an
approved holding facility pending adjudication of the case. The
biologists and ODFW's veterinarian accompanied the officers to ensure
the bear's well-being during capture and transport.
 
No one has yet been cited or charged. After the investigation is
completed, results will be forwarded to the Coos County District
Attorney's Office for consideration of any charges.
 
Holding a wild animal without a permit is a Class A misdemeanor
punishable by a fine up to $6,250 and/or one year in jail.
 
ODFW regularly advises Oregonians to keep wildlife in the wild, and to
not pick up or take home any baby wildlife, noted Anglin.
 
"Typically, people who take and keep wild animals do not understand
their nutritional or exercise needs, and the animals become malnourished
and weak," said Anglin. "In many cases once the animal gets too large to
keep penned, its holders release it into the wild, where it has no
survival skills. It's not kind to the animal to remove it from the wild
in the first place or to raise it like a pet. Wild animals belong in the
wild."
 
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