Residents of Corvallis woke up to an unexpected surprise yesterday as multiple confirmed sightings of a bear were reported across central and west Corvallis, starting at approximately 3:11 am.
The bear, captured in striking images by the Corvallis Police Department during its downtown excursion, continued its journey, visiting the LBCC Corvallis campus before being last spotted around 8:00 am heading westbound out of town near the OSU dairy fields. In response to this unusual occurrence, the Corvallis Police Department has been in close communication with the Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, who are actively monitoring the situation.
Residents are advised to exercise caution if they encounter the bear. It is crucial not to approach or attempt to interact with it. Instead, seek shelter indoors or retreat to your vehicle with your children and pets until the bear moves on. Reports indicate the bear is likely seeking its way back into natural habitat, and allowing it space is the safest course of action.
In the unlikely event that the bear becomes stranded or exhibits concerning behavior, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stands ready to respond and evaluate the situation accordingly.
For further information about bears in Oregon, visit the ODFW website here:
https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/black_bears.asp
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