Bear cub spotted in Southwest Bend neighborhood

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend Police responded to reports of a bear cub in Southwest Bend yesterday afternoon, but the animal ran away from officers and has not been seen since.

Community members first reported the cub around 2 p.m. in the area of Wildflower Park along River Rim Drive. Responding officers briefly located the animal at approximately 3:30 p.m. before it fled. No additional bears have been reported in the area.

Bend Police are coordinating with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife regarding the incident.

Police are asking residents in the River Rim neighborhood to avoid leaving food, including pet food, or garbage outdoors. Authorities also advise community members to keep pets indoors and to ensure dogs are kept on leashes when being walked.

If the bear cub is spotted, residents should not approach the animal. Anyone who sees the cub is asked to contact nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 so Bend Police can coordinate a response with state wildlife officials and Oregon State Police game troopers.