A black bear that prompted a public safety alert in Worland has been safely captured and will be relocated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
The Washakie County Sheriff’s Office initially alerted the public after the bear was spotted near the Worland Airport and the Worland Golf Course. Residents were asked to avoid the area and not attempt to locate the animal while wildlife officials worked to safely capture it.
As the bear moved through the Beverly and Wilson neighborhoods, deputies monitored its movements and eventually guided it into a tree in the Crimson/Cardinal area of Worland.
Wyoming Game and Fish personnel then safely tranquilized the bear and took it into custody.
According to Game and Fish, the bear is an approximately 3-year-old female.
The Washakie County Sheriff’s Office thanked residents for giving first responders the space they needed to safely resolve the situation. The sheriff’s office also recognized the assistance of the Worland Police Department, Worland Fire Department, the City of Worland and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Officials said the incident demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the community and responding agencies in protecting both public safety and wildlife.