Black bear killed by police in south Lacey

Posted

A black bear roaming the 13th fairway of the Capital City Golf Course was shot by Lacey Police this morning.

Lacey Police received multiple calls regarding the bear starting at 7:37 a.m. on May 8, 2021, and notified the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. The bear was later reportedly on the roof of a shed in the Capital City Golf Course neighborhood.

At 7:52 a.m., Lacey Police found the adult bear, estimated at over 200 pounds, running through alleyways, in between houses and the street of 57th Way and Parkside Dr SE.

Officers felt that the bear was not able to be contained, which prevented them from protecting citizens around Rainier Vista Park.

A Lacey officer shot the bear, killing it, before it could have contact with citizens nearby.

Department of Fish & Wildlife responded and removed the bear’s carcass from the area.

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  • TimHilliard

    I'm suspecting this was an American black bear, Ursus americanus, common around here, not a brown bear, Ursus arctos, widely known as a grizzly bear. If there were a grizzly sighting or death in the county, it would be big news!

    Sunday, May 9, 2021 Report this

  • DStusser

    Tim -- You're right! In the headline and body copy we wrote "black bear" but by the time I found the photo it was late, I was tired, and the bear was temporarily brown. Thanks for catching it!

    Sunday, May 9, 2021 Report this

  • AStusser

    Was there a possibility of sedating the bear without killing him? I do not like hearing about the policing killing humans or animals. It was nice of Fish and Wildlife to help.

    Monday, May 10, 2021 Report this

  • AJoytoknow

    Are you kidding me!? I suspect they "had to kill " that poor animal because it was on a golf club course. Animal services should have taken control of the situation and relocated the bear but cops just had to get out the guns. Rich people complaining is most likely the main reason. Had it been in a lower income neighborhood people would have been excited to see, known to stay inside, and wanted humane treatment for the bear. Rich people are almost always selfish and less thoughtful around what they want, forgetting that although you paid for property it's not really yours and we have to be sure to make sure there is room for all natures animals not just the human animals. The bears were here first, you just decided a golf course should go into their habitat. Shame on LPD!

    Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Report this