x
Breaking News
More () »

What would you do if there was a bear in your backyard? A Flagstaff neighborhood can now answer that question

Game and Fish officers and the fire department worked together to safely remove the bear from the tree in a residential area on Friday.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... a bear in a tree?

That's what a neighborhood in Flagstaff said on Friday Dec. 8. 

On Dec. 8, the Flagstaff Fire Department responded to a call for assistance from Game and Fish officers in a residential neighborhood. The call was a request for aid in the safe removal of a bear from a tree in the neighborhood.

Credit: Flagstaff Fire Department
A bear in a tree in a residential neighborhood in Flagstaff on Dec. 8.

When Game and Fish officers arrived at the scene, they tranquilized the bear using a dart gun. The bear fell asleep and officers began to extract the bear from the tree.

But as the bear fell asleep, the bear shifted, necessitating a second tranquilizer, at which point the bear fell out of the tree.

The bear landed in an area away from people and homes, allowing Game and Fish officers to put the still asleep bear in an officer's vehicle. 

"While the desired outcome wasn't achieved as planned, the collaborative efforts of the Fire Department, Game and Fish officers, and the crew prevented any harm to the surrounding area and ensured an overall safe outcome for all involved," the Flagstaff Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

On December 8th, the Flagstaff Fire Department's Engine 6, Quint 3 and Batallion 1 responded to a call for assistance...

Posted by Flagstaff Fire Department on Friday, December 8, 2023

More ways to get 12News  

On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.  

On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device  

The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.  

12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. 

On social media: Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

WE ❤ ARIZONA

Explore amAZing people, places and things across our state on our 12News YouTube playlist here.

Before You Leave, Check This Out