Wyoming game wardens capture young bear after day-long chase

After leading wildlife officials on a chase through east Casper, a thoroughly exhausted young black bear fell asleep under an aspen tree.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that Wyoming Game and Fish wardens say they found the bear sleeping so soundly that he didn’t move when they used a tranquilizer.

Wardens captured the bear around 6:45 Wednesday evening after sever unsuccessful attempts to corner it.

The disoriented bear had drawn spectators to back porches as it hopped residential fences. Initial sightings of the creature were reported at 6:30 a.m.

Police blocked off streets to allow wardens to track the animal.

Regional wildlife coordinator Justin Binfet says the bear was probably a scared yearling that found itself in an unfamiliar place after being forced out early by its mother.