Fate of tiny Oregon bear uncertain

OREGON -- State wildlife officials on Wednesday were deciding the fate of a 14-pound bear — way underweight for its age — that fell from a tree in Southern Oregon: Can it be saved or must it be put to death?

 The black bear was found in blackberry bushes on Tuesday near Phoenix, south of Medford, after callers reported a bear climbing in trees.

 A state biologist captured it, and wildlife workers planned to transport it to a Department of Fish and Wildlife facility in Corvallis for an assessment and decision.

 The possibilities were rehabilitation for eventual release in a remote area, placement in a zoo or euthanasia, the Medford Mail Tribune reported.

 Because it's so small, the bear has a chance for rehab, but the size could be a result of a health problem, said Mark Vargas, an agency biologist.

 "It's got to be healthy," he said.

 The bear's age is estimated at 9 to 12 months. Black bears in the region typically are born at the end of January and weaned in August, said agency spokeswoman Meghan Dugan.

 Cubs should weigh 40 to 60 pounds when they den in late fall or early winter, she said.

 Based on initial observations, the bear is female, Dugan said, but it was too rambunctious for further examination.

 Under agency policy, bears younger than 9 months that are healthy and not habituated to people can be placed in a zoo or similar facility approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or they can be sent to a rehabilitation center for later release, Vargas said.

 Bears older than 9 months can be difficult to handle, he said, and those over a year that find their way to urban areas and begin interacting with people are usually euthanized.

(KVAL - Jan 7, 2015)