A trap is set and warnings about a bear are posted today at the fish hatchery next to Bonneville Dam.
At noon on Tuesday, visitors at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery spotted a black bear. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says a bear had been seen sporadically over the previous two weeks along I-84, at the Bonneville exit.
This time, it was in the middle of the hatchery in broad daylight. Hatchery workers saw the bear loitering near the sturgeon holding ponds and getting into garbage cans for food.
It was not alarmed by people nearby, including visitors who followed it in an effort to take photos of the animal.
Michelle Dennehy with Fish & Wildlife says the fact the bear showed no fear is a sign that it’s used to people. As such, it is considered a threat to human safety.
Since the sighting early this week, the bear has not been seen again. ODFW has placed a trap at the hatchery. If the bear is caught, it will be euthanized.
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