Update:
Midland Police Department reports the bear has been secured and will be transported up north shortly!
Update:
Authorities have tranquilized an unwanted visitor in Midland County four times without success. And now the animal is hiding out in a garage.
Midland County Central Dispatch first reported Monday morning that there was a black bear in the area of Chapel and Summerset traveling eastbound. The area is heavily populated, with Jefferson Middle School just west of the location. Now authorities report the DNR has tranquilized the bear four times in a backyard separating homes in the 600 block of Harper and Nakoma, but each time the bear gets back up.
The bear is now hiding out in a garage, with kids in the house.
Officials are now trying to figure out what to do next with the animal. The bear is estimated to be around 250 pounds, and once the DNR can cage it, it will be transported to a more rural area up north, at one of three approved bear release sites in Grayling.
The Michigan DNR says black bears are generally fearful of humans and will leave if they are aware of your presence. If you encounter a bear that does not turn and leave, first try to scare it off by yelling while leaving a clear, unobstructed escape route for the bear.
"If the bear stands its ground, makes threatening sounds, or bluff charges, you are too close. Take slow steps backward while continuing to talk to the bear in a stern tone. In the rare event of an attack, fight back with a backpack, stick, or your bare hands. Black bears have retreated in similar situations. DO NOT run or play dead," the DNR said.
The DNR said that adult female black bears weigh approximately 90 to 300 pounds, and adult males weigh around 130 to 500 pounds. An average adult bear stands less than three feet tall at the shoulder when on all fours, and are around three-to-five feet in length.
Stay with FOX 47 as we continue to gather more details.
