Zoo reopens after wild black bear captured

UPDATE 3:14 p.m. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials have captured the wild black bear at Zoo Idaho.

Wildlife officers outfitted the bear with a collar and ear tag for tracking purposes.

The bear will now be relocated away from civilization.

Zoo Idaho is back open for business.

ORIGINAL:

Zoo Idaho is closed Tuesday because a wild black bear is on zoo grounds.

The zoo’s veterinarian spotted the bear early Tuesday morning and called Idaho Department of Fish and Game, but the bear climbed high into a tree at the zoo before IDFG officials arrived.

Wildlife officers are currently at Zoo Idaho waiting for the bear to come down to a safe height in order to tranquilize the bear.

Zoo Idaho Director Peter Pruett says the bear is about 50 feet off the ground in a Ponderosa pine tree and it would be unsafe for the bear to use a tranquilizer gun at that height.

Officials say a culvert trap has also been deployed.

Zoo Idaho staff ask the public to avoid the area to help minimize disturbances that would further scare the bear and keep it in the tree.

Zoo Idaho will remain closed until the bear has been relocated.