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Young bear seen around Mt. Lemmon to be rescued by Bearizona Wildlife Park

Posted at 4:48 PM, Aug 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-29 19:48:40-04
A young black bear that was spotted on Mount Lemmon has been captured and moved to Bearizona Wildlife Park near Williams.
 
The Arizona Game and Fish Department captured the bear on Friday after it was considered a public safety risk. The female bear arrived at its new home on Saturday. Bearizona officials named her Lemmon.
 
According to wildlife officials, Lemmon had lost her fear of people and was spotted on Mt. Lemmon eight times since May. The bear's behavior escalated and sometimes she was seen following hikers and trying to enter a cabin. Normally, bears that behave like Lemmon are euthanized, park officials say. 
 
Mount Lemmon is a popular hiking and camping destination in the summer because its high elevation offers cooler temperatures. Park officials warn guests to clean up after themselves as bears can easily find food or food trash and will continue to return to the area to be fed. 
 
Lemmon will be quarantined for 30 days before being released into the bear exhibit where she'll be joining Rizzo and Cubby.