Pennsylvania Bear Practices Gymnastics, Sticks Perfect Dismount into Tarp

Pennsylvania Bear Practices Gymnastics, Sticks Perfect Dismount into Tarp

2 minute read
Published: 6/5/2024

In a scene worthy of a National Geographic special, a young black bear brought a touch of the wild to the suburban streets of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg. The unexpected visitor led to a flurry of activity as local authorities executed an impromptu, high-stakes gymnastic performance starring our furry friend.

The bear, who clearly missed the memo about staying in the woods, was tranquilized after making its way into the neighborhood. As soon as the juvenile bear made its presence known, students and staff at a nearby school were instructed to stay indoors, presumably missing the opportunity for an unorthodox biology lesson.

As the bear’s adventure continued, a stretch of road had to be closed to ensure the safety of both the animal and the townsfolk. It's not every day a black bear meanders through one's morning commute.

With the scene set, firefighters and rescue officials used a ladder truck to get within tranquilizing distance. They managed to administer the first dose, but the star of the show wasn't ready to bow out just yet. The tranquilized bear performed a graceful fall, dropping approximately 20 feet into a large blue tarp held by an ensemble cast of wildlife officers, police, and firefighters. By all accounts, the dismount was flawless—a perfect 10.

The adventure didn’t end there, as the bear had to be tranquilized again before being moved into a bear trap carefully placed on a trailer. The double-dose of tranquilizer ensured our bear buddy wouldn't wake up with a start and bolt off into the suburbs for a second act.

Wildlife experts plan to relocate the bear to state land elsewhere in central Pennsylvania, where it can hone its gymnastic skills without causing a ripple in suburban tranquility.

In an event that combined elements of wildlife management and emergency gymnastics, the residents of Camp Hill witnessed an unforgettable spectacle. Whether the bear will continue its high-wire antics in the wild or simply stick to foraging is anybody’s guess, but one thing’s for sure: it will always be remembered for that perfect dismount.