Black bear spotted around Tacoma finally caught near the Dome

TACOMA -- The state Department of Fish and Wildlife captured a 220-pound black bear near the Tacoma Dome at about midnight Wednesday, officials said.

Fish and Wildlife had been tracking the female black bear since the department began receiving reports of sightings Friday.  With the help of several 911 calls, officials were able to get a good idea where the bear was and moved in.

"Released the dog; the bear tried to run away and ran into a fence that was covered by blackberry bushes," Fish and Wildlife Sgt. Ted Jackson said.

The bear ran up a tree to escape the dog, and authorities managed to hit the bear with tranquilizers.  They removed the bear and took it to the Cascades to release it.



Fish and Wildlife says the bear might have come from an area near Joint Base Lewis McChord.  They estimate it traveled well over 20 miles.  Amazingly, no one was hurt and the bear didn't even knock over a trash can.

Fish and Wildlife says you will see more bears roaming around as they prepare for winter hibernation.