At approximately 10:30 am today, the Portland Police Department responded to reports of a young black bear sighting in the York Street area.  The bear then made its way to the basement-level parking garage beneath the Portland Harbor Hotel near the intersection of Union and Fore Streets.

As the bear continued moving through the city, Portland police officers quickly coodinated a response, monitoring its movements and establishing a safety perimeter to keep residents, visitors and busnesses out of  harm’s way.  Officers remained with the animal as it traveled through several dowtown areas before ultimately makaing its way to the basement-level parking garage beneath the Portland Harbor Hotel near the intersection of Union and Fore Streets.

Officers secured the area while Maine Game Wardens and state wildlife biologists responded. The bear was safely tranquilized and transported to a suitable habitat where it was released back into the wild.

We appreciate the cooperation of residents, visitors and local businesses as wildlife officials worked to ensure the safety of both the public and the bear.  If you encounter wildlife in an urban area, maintain a safe distance and contact local authorities.