A black bear cub wandered through a Moab neighborhood shortly after midnight on Tuesday, July 7, coming within feet of a resident at a senior living facility. While the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources did not dispatch officers because the animal had already left the area, officials noted that drought conditions may be encouraging bears to move into populated areas.
Close Encounter on Park Drive
The encounter took place at MAPS Senior Living on Park Drive in Moab. Resident Marilyn Miller said she was sitting outside reading to escape the summer heat when she heard noises that she initially believed were from a person walking nearby.
Miller described seeing two eyes reflecting light, which led her to briefly believe she was looking at a large dog before realizing the animal's identity. "And then I see the tag in his ear … and I’m wondering, that’s not a dog, that’s a bear," Miller said.
The bear was positioned approximately two feet away from Miller at the time of the encounter. Both the resident and the bear were startled by the close proximity before the animal moved away from the property.
Police Monitor Juvenile Bear
Moab Police Chief Lex Bell reported that officers later located what they described as a large cub, which is considered a juvenile bear. The animal was observed heading toward the Walnut Lane area before police lost sight of it.
A maintenance worker at the MAPS Senior Living property notified the Moab Police Department after arriving at the location following the encounter.
Chief Bell stated that the department receives several bear reports in Moab annually, noting that these incidents are particularly common during the spring and early summer. This period often sees younger bears wandering into town as they begin to live independently.
Drought Influences Bear Migration
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) was notified by officers regarding the sighting. However, the agency decided not to respond to the scene because the bear had already moved on and was no longer lingering within city limits or presenting an immediate public safety concern.
DWR biologists explained that black bears are typically found in the La Sal Mountains located east of Moab, but they commonly migrate through the Moab area during this time of year.
Officials suggested that current drought conditions may be a contributing factor in bear movement. Biologists indicated that such conditions can lead to more bears appearing at lower elevations, including residential neighborhoods and campgrounds, as the animals search for available food sources.
Preventing Wildlife Conflicts
To prevent future conflicts, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recommends that residents take specific steps to secure their properties. The agency advises against leaving any food sources accessible to wildlife.
Key recommendations from the DWR include:
- Securing all garbage and pet food.
- Removing attractants such as bird feeders and fruit trees.
- Never intentionally feeding bears.
- Giving bears plenty of space if they are encountered.
The agency also requests that residents report bears that wander into heavily populated communities or lower-elevation areas within city limits.
Safety Instructions for Residents
Chief Bell emphasized that residents should prioritize their safety during animal encounters. He advised that if a resident encounters a bear and feels unsafe, they should call 911 immediately.
"Our biggest advice is, leave it alone, don’t try to approach it, stay away from it, let it do its thing, and then give us a call," Bell said.
