© 2024 Interlochen
CLASSICAL IPR | 88.7 FM Interlochen | 94.7 FM Traverse City | 88.5 FM Mackinaw City IPR NEWS | 91.5 FM Traverse City | 90.1 FM Harbor Springs/Petoskey | 89.7 FM Manistee/Ludington
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

After unsuccessful relocation, Traverse City black bear trapped again, euthanized

A male black bear often seen roaming residential areas in Traverse City was trapped near South Airport Road and Veterans Drive. The 500 pound bear was euthanized on Thursday.
Michigan DNR
A male black bear often seen roaming residential areas in Traverse City was trapped near South Airport Road and Veterans Drive. The 500 pound bear was euthanized on Thursday.

The Department of Natural Resources announced that the bear was euthanized on Thursday, because of concern for public safety.

Thursday marked the end of the line for the infamous black bear seen roaming all over Traverse City. The 500-pound male bear was trapped and euthanized.

It brings an end to a saga that started last year and included an attempt to relocate the bear about 90 miles away. After bringing it to a wilderness area outside Alpena, the bear made his way back to Traverse City where he was seen scrounging for food in residential areas.

Michigan DNR biologist Steve Griffith has been working on this case for over a year. He says while he’s glad the bear will no longer be a potential human safety threat, it’s always sad to put an animal down.

“I’m depressed. It’s kind of a bowling ball in my stomach,” says Griffith. “But...if that bear stayed in any location with a large amount of people, it’s just waiting for something negative to happen.”

Griffith says the bear was habituated to living in close proximity to people. Last year he was spotted in the Traverse City Meijer parking lot. Earlier this week, Traverse City Police spotted the animal on 9th and 10th streets.

The bear’s hide and skull will be donated to a local educational facility.

Dan Wanschura is the Host and Executive Producer of Points North.