Petaluma Authorities Give Bear Space To Come Down From Tree

PETALUMA, CA — Authorities are hoping that a little space and some time will allow a bear to climb down a tree and leave a Petaluma neighborhood on its own.

As if noon Sunday, the bear was still high up in a tree in southwest Petaluma, according to the California Fish and Wildlife Service.

North Bay Animal Services and the state wildlife agency are hoping that the animal can leave safely on its own, said Ken Paglia, spokesman for the state fish and wildlife service.

"We don't want to hurt the bear by tranquilizing it and making it fall," Paglia said. Authorities have decided to back off and give it some space, he said.

Police warned the public about 2:30 a.m. after the bear was first sighted in the city, advising people to shelter indoors after the bear was seen in the area of 6th and I streets.

A few hours later, another advisory was issued in the 20 block of Raymond Heights, two blocks away from the first sighting, where the bear had clambered up a tall tree.

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