Wilsonville police safely guide bear out of residential area

WILSONVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Here's something you don't hear about often in Oregon: a young black bear made an unexpected visit to Wilsonville on the night of June 29th, drawing several calls to local authorities.

Officers with the Wilsonville Police Department responded to the sighting around 10:45 p.m. Using their patrol vehicles, they safely directed the bear toward the nearby river, where it left the neighborhood without any problems.

Wildlife officials believe the bear was likely searching for an easy meal, such as unsecured garbage or pet food.

Police remind anyone who encounters a bear to stay a safe distance away, never approach or feed it, bring pets inside or keep dogs on a leash, and secure garbage and other items that could attract wildlife.