Black bear spotted near Lacey homes was shot and killed because of safety concerns
A black bear, estimated to weigh more than 200 pounds, was shot and killed by Lacey police Saturday morning after police determined there was no other reasonable alternative, the department announced via social media.
About 7:30 a.m. Saturday, area residents began reporting bear sightings on St. Andrews Drive Southeast near the intersection of Yelm Highway and Ruddell Road, as well as on the 13th fairway of Capitol City Golf Club and on the roof of a neighborhood shed.
Police found the bear about 8 a.m. at 56th Avenue Southeast and Parkside Drive Southeast, a few blocks north of Yelm Highway. Police say the bear was running in alleyways, between houses and along streets.
“At no point did the bear become stationary to allow officers to isolate it and protect the citizens who were outside at the time, including numerous families at nearby Rainier Vista Park,” police said in their announcement.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife removed the bear, according to police.
Lacey police also wrote: “It pains us to have had to put down an animal, but keeping our community safe is our priority.”
This story was originally published May 9, 2021 at 11:21 AM.
