This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Kids & Family

Authorities Tranquilize Bear After It Shuts Down 210 Freeway

Deputies successfully moved the animal away from traffic into a neighborhood on Fairway Avenue. Fish and Game is on scene.

Authorities tranquilized a bear on Sunday morning that briefly slowed down traffic on the 210 Freeway, according to the county Sheriff's Department.

Deputies estimate the bear tranquilized Sunday morning weighed about 300 pounds and appeared thin, without an identification tag on its ear, officials told Patch. 

Deputies at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station received a call about 7:20 a.m. Sunday that a resident saw a bear climb over his fence and knock it down in the 3000 Block of Henrietta Avenue, in La Crescenta, said Sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker. 

Find out what's happening in Montrose-La Crescentawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Authorities spotted him walking southbound on Glenwood Avenue, near Foothill Boulevard, Parker told Patch. The animal lounged near a nail salon in the 2900 Block of Foothill Boulevard then south toward , where it roamed the track.  

From the school, the bear walked to the La Crescenta onramp and onto the Foothill (210 Freeway), Parker said.

Find out what's happening in Montrose-La Crescentawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It remained in center divider for about five minutes and seemed very scared," Parker said.

The bear walked off the freeway and went onto Mayfield Avenue and stayed in someone's backyard before walking east onto Fairway Avenue, the .  

The animal went south to the 2400 Block of Florencita Avenue in Montrose and wandered toward Hermosa and Sunset avenues, where officials used a tranquilizer dart for the third time.  They were then able to collect the bear and transport him out of the area.

Glendale Police Department assisted in securing the neighborhood and sheriff's officials implemented a reverse 911 call to warn locals of the bear.  

"We’re very gland that no one was hurt, including the bear, we do have to keep in mind that they are wild animals. Although we have tremendous compassion for the bear, we do have to put the safety of the public first," Parker said. 

"And in this case, like many others, it has ended well with no one hurt, including the bear," he said. 

A bear was struck by a vehicle on the 210 Freeway in La Canada Flintridge in a separate incident in August. . 

Related: 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Montrose-La Crescenta