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

What the report says

KVAL reported that a young black bear was euthanized after behaving unusually near a public road in Eugene’s South Hill area on Thursday morning, July 16. The bear was first noticed around 9 a.m. by Fox Hollow resident Chris Pedersen, who said it did not retreat despite his presence and a barking dog. Neighbors tried to draw the animal away from traffic with fruit, but it later returned and was seen lying in the roadway.

According to the report, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff and Oregon State Police responded after residents raised concerns. Meghan Dugan, an ODFW public affairs specialist, told KVAL the 38-pound yearling appeared to be in poor health, with disheveled fur, pacing behavior, a lowered head while walking and reduced fear of people. Officials said the bear attempted to bite at responders during the capture effort.

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 monitoring it without improvement, biologists decided to euthanize it. ODFW said that was considered the most humane option, and that rehabilitation was not viable because the bear was likely abandoned, weak and unable to survive on its own.

The agency said rabies testing was warranted because of the animal’s abnormal behavior and contact with people; the result was negative. Further testing is continuing. ODFW also used the incident to remind residents in urban-wildland areas to reduce bear attractants by securing garbage, cleaning grills and removing fallen fruit.