LOGAN — Wildlife officials have euthanized a black bear spotted roaming through Cache Valley communities over the weekend, marking the latest in a series of bear sightings ac Utah.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources confirmed the decision Sunday evening after officers captured the animal near Young Power Sports in south Logan. Faith Jolley, DWR spokesperson, said the bear was likely the same one reported in Paradise on Thursday and Logan on Friday.
The bear was spotted again Saturday afternoon sprinting through a field with Logan City police officers giving chase. DWR officers subsequently tranquilized the bear.
Upon capture, wildlife officials determined the bear was approximately 2 years old and suffering from severe heat distress, with a body temperature reaching a dangerously high 107 degrees. Bystanders and officers poured buckets of water on the animal in an effort to cool it down.
Despite the intervention, DWR officials ultimately made the decision to euthanize the bear due to public safety concerns, noting that the animal had spent multiple days navigating populated areas and losing its natural fear of humans. Officials acknowledged the bear had not caused property damage or injured anyone prior to its capture.
“Euthanizing wildlife is the worst part of our jobs,” Jolley stated. “Our staff got into the wildlife profession because they love wildlife and want to help it and see it thrive. Euthanizing wildlife is not something they want to do.”
The incident follows several recent bear sightings ac Utah County, including encounters in Provo, Payson, and Springville, where wildlife crews and local police have responded to animals wandering into suburban neighborhoods.
Wildlife officials recommend the following safety tips if someone encounters a black bear in Utah: