Young bear euthanized after lethargic behavior, tests negative for rabies - KATU

What the report says

KATU reported that a young bear seen behaving unusually in Eugene’s South Hill area was euthanized by wildlife officials and later tested negative for rabies. The bear was first noticed near a public road on the morning of July 16 by Fox Hollow resident Chris Pedersen, who told the station he was concerned because the animal did not retreat despite people and a barking dog nearby.

According to the report, residents tried to draw the bear away from traffic by placing fruit away from the road, but it returned and was later seen lying in the roadway. After multiple neighbors contacted authorities, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff and Oregon State Police responded. ODFW Public Affairs Specialist Meghan Dugan told KATU the 38-pound yearling appeared unhealthy, with disheveled fur, repeated pacing between homes and a lowered head while walking.

ODFW began transporting the bear to its wildlife health lab in Corvallis, but Dugan said the animal became unresponsive in its crate, with drooling and shallow, rapid breathing. After observing no improvement, biologists decided to euthanize it. ODFW said rehabilitation was not considered viable and that the bear was likely abandoned and unable to survive on its own.

The agency said rabies testing was warranted because of the bear’s lack of normal wariness and contact with people; the result was negative, with additional testing underway. KATU also reported ODFW’s reminder for residents in urban-wildland areas to reduce attractants such as unsecured trash, dirty grills and fallen fruit to help keep bears from becoming habituated around homes.