The black bear saga continued on Wednesday August 14, 2019 as Officers responded to the 800 blk. Columbia Ave. at 2158 hrs. The bear had climbed a tree in front of a residence on Columbia Ave. The road was closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The PA Game Commission was notified and their personnel responded to the scene. 

Our Officers maintained the outer perimeter as the Game Commission formulated a plan to safely tranquilize the bear. Several attempts were made to tranquilize the bear and get it safely out of the tree. Shortly after 0320 hrs. the bear got down from the tree, ran from the scene and was not apprehended. 

On Thursday August 15, 2019 at approximately 0630 hrs. Sgt. Andy Nauman was on patrol when a call was received that the bear had been sighted in a rear yard on the 200 blk. N. Mary St. The PA Game Commission was notified of the update. They were not able to implement a plan to capture the bear right away as they needed to resupply their stock of tranquilizing agent. Members of the Lancaster Bureau of Fire also responded to assist.

The PA Game Commission Wardens responded to the area of the 500 blk. W. Chestnut St. N. Mary St. The bear was eventually tranquilized and captured. Thanks to residents that alerted first responders to the locations where the bear had been sighted. Thanks also to the PA Game Commission for their expertise and tenacity in successfully and safely capturing the bear.