A black bear cub, which led Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on a merry chase in Carleton Place Friday, was eventually cornered and successfully tranquilized by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) wildlife officers.

The incident, which began at approximately 11 a.m. on streets near the north bank of the Mississippi River , culminated in a long established residential neighbourhood on the south side of town. The young bear climbed a tree at the corner of Frank and John Streets and police were forced to cordon off the area until MNR personnel arrived on the scene. The incident didn't wrap up until mid-afternoon, Carleton Place OPP Community Services Officer Constable Sean Trahan reports.

While the bear was treed, residents and the media were kept at a safe distance, neighbours were warned to remain indoors and nearby schools were advised and students urged to stay inside.

After being struck by a tranquilizer dart fired by a wildlife officer the bear remained in the tree, seemingly unaffected, for a lengthy period witnesses told the EMC.

Eventually the drug took affect and finally the bear tumbled out of the tree and landed on a tarpaulin which had been spread under the tree in anticipation of what occurred. The slumbering beast was then hauled carefully into a special carrier and trucked to a wilderness area where it was successfully released, Trahan explains.

"We believe the same bear was involved in sightings two days earlier (Wednesday, June 9) near Town Line Road and High St ," the police officer says.

The location of the earlier incident is on the northwest edge of Carleton Place , not far from where the bear was first spotted Friday morning. In the previous situation several members of the public saw the bear and alerted authorities.

"In that case the MNR scared it away. It must not have been scared enough though - it came back," Trahan chuckles.

He adds MNR staff is certain the same animal they tried to chase away 48 hours earlier was involved in Friday's event. 

Such occurrences have become more common in recent years as residential growth in former rural areas of Lanark County causes bears to range beyond their usual territory in search of food.

EARLIER INCIDENTS 

On occasion bears and other wildlife venture into heavily built up areas, exactly the scenario that occurred here last week. Friday's incident concluded just one block away from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church where, several years ago, parishioners were forced to remain inside at the end of a Sunday morning service when a terrified young black bear rambled through the area. 

On that occasion the rambunctious beast led police on a wild chase through the downtown area, including along part of Bridge St. , before finally being cornered in Riverside Park not far from the church. That problem also ended with the bear being tranquilized and successfully relocated.

Two or three years later the same situation was repeated on the north side of Carleton Place , in a residential area near Town Line Road East . In that case the bear also sought shelter in a tree where MNR staff was able to tranquilize it.

Friday's incident started when residents reported seeing a bear romping along streets, sidewalks and across private property in the area of High St. and Flora St . A lady at the corner of High and Joseph Streets, one block to the west, witnessed the animal crossing her front lawn. She too dialed 911.

Carleton Place OPP officers fanned out across the north side neighbourhood, not far from Centennial Park , in hopes of spotting the bear.

Resident Ann Potter told the EMC she was walking her dogs in the vicinity of O-Kee-Lee Park , a natural reserve just west of Centennial Park , when a patrolling police officer stopped to speak to her.

"I had just come out of the bush and was near Bennett Gates (a residential development) when the officer came along in his cruiser and asked me if I had seen a bear in the area," Potter says.

"I was a little nervous and wanted to get my dogs home as soon as possible," she recalls. But on the way Potter took the time to warn anyone she saw outside that a bear might be ranging through the area.

"Like me, they knew nothing about a bear in the neighbourhood."

As Potter neared her residence another lady approached and offered her the same warning. Multiple sightings created the impression more than one bear was involved. That was later discounted by authorities who believe the animal simply roamed over a wide area with police conducting a major search.

Trahan says a large number of streets, on both sides of the river, were involved with numerous sightings telephoned to OPP.

It is now believed the same bear swam across the Mississippi River, from north to south, emerging in the area of Riverside Park or perhaps close to DRS Flight Safety and Communications on Emily St .

The DRS facility and property covers a long section of river bank, starting at the east side of Riverside Park . John St. provides access to the park. From there it is only a short walk to the corner of Frank and John Streets where the animal was eventually spotted climbing into the tree.

While pleased with the successful conclusion to the incident, officials are asking people to be observant and also to keep garbage covered and bird feeders inside during the summer months. 

It is during this time of year that bears are on the move in their constant search for food. Trash and bird feeders are very attractive to them, experts say.

The public is warned never to approach a bear as they are wild animals and therefore their behaviour can not be predicted. Bears that are outside of their usual habitat can be dangerous, especially if they are frightened by people, pets or motor vehicles.

It is possible the young bear involved in the latest incident in Carleton Place swam into the community (bears are strong swimmers) or it may have followed the banks of the Mississippi Lake and river to gain access to the town.

In nearby Ottawa two recent incidents in which police were forced to shoot moose which wandered into residential areas has resulted in a public hue and cry. In each case MNR staff was apparently unavailable to deal with the emergencies, according to police.

A meeting was planned this week during which Ottawa officials intended to discuss how to handle future incidents in light of the intense criticism leveled by citizens.

Ottawa Police defend their actions in killing the large animals, saying the moose could have put public safety in jeopardy if allowed to wander the city unchecked.