Wild Bear, Roaming In Anthem Neighborhoods, Euthanized: Reports

ANTHEM, AZ — A bear found roaming around the residential neighborhoods of Anthem was euthanized, according to reports. The bear, about as big as a large dog, was caught on camera by a resident of the neighborhood.

"To say I was freaked out would be an understatement," Mia Kruk, the neighborhood resident, told AZ Central. She initially thought the bear was a dog, but realized what it was after a closer look.

See the video below

Arizona Game and Fish became involved after Kruk's video spread around social media. A team was able to tranquilize the bear and remove it from the area.

But this wasn't the first time the bear had been in residential neighborhoods, AZ Central reports. He had been tagged before, and officials knew that this meant the bear was now considered a threat to public safety.

The other incident was just 10 days ago, according to AZ Central, when the 80-pound bear was found roaming around a Prescott neighborhood. Officials released the bear into an approved area, only to find it 40 miles away in Anthem 10 days later.

Tom Cadden of Arizona Game and Fish said an increase in wild animals in developed areas may be in part due to the drought, which can drive animals to human areas in search of food and water. Officials added that the wild animals will venture into human lands less once much-needed rain comes to the area.

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