Bear Found Under Colorado Deck ‘One Of The Largest Ever Seen In Town’

DURANGO, CO—Officials who responded to a call about a bear hiding out under the deck of a home in Durango arrived on the scene to find "one of the largest bears ever seen in town," according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The 400-pound male bear was found in a neighborhood off Hermosa Avenue west of Needham Elementary, according to CPW. The agency added that they believe the bear is at least 10-years-old.

The CPW said that it took a tranquilizer dart and five staff members to safely remove the bear from underneath the deck and into a trailer. There, the bear was given a health exam, a microchip, and ear tags.

The bear woke up after being given a drug to counteract effects of the tranquilizer. It was then driven more than 60 miles to a “suitable habitat with good food to eat and where it is unlikely to encounter hunters this season,” according to the CPW.

“We want to thank the residents for calling us to help resolve this in a manner that prioritized safety for both the residents and bear,” the CPW said in a statement. “While we haven’t had to handle many bears in Durango this year, this highlights the importance of removing attractants around your home.”