Bear captured after invading Coffeeville home

This black bear was captured by conservation officers around midnight May 2, near Cirrus Road north of Coffeeville after it had entered a residence and scared the occupants. The animal, estimated at about 115 pounds and standing about 3 feet flat-footed, fled the house but was later captured. (Photo by Vance Wood)

A black bear was captured by conservation officers around midnight Friday near Cirrus Road north of Coffeeville after it had entered a residence and scared the occupants.

The bear had been tagged in January near Carrabelle, Fla. after its mother had been killed by a car. It apparently had traveled more than 300 miles from there to the Coffeeville area.

Sandra Lasseter and her daughter had left their door open and were cooking supper when they found the bear inside the house Friday. Conservation officer Vance Wood said the bear did not appear to be aggressive and apparently smelled the food and was looking for something to eat.

The animal, estimated at about 115 pounds and standing about 3 feet flat-footed, fled the house but was later captured. He was tranquilized and released in a different area.

Other bears have been reported in this same area about five miles north of Coffeeville and Amanda Lasseter, Sandra's sister who lives nearby, had a bear walk into her house one evening as well. It is not known if it was the same animal.

Conservation officers caution citizens not to panic and not to harm the bears, but not to leave their doors open or garbage nearby that would attract them.

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