Dog-chasing bear cub captured

A black bear cub spent Saturday morning chasing dogs through a residential neighborhood near Coyote Trail and Cedar Street.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies were called at approximately 8:35 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, after the cub was spotted chasing neighborhood dogs.

Deputies from the Victor Valley and Hesperia stations responded, and trapped the dog inside the garage of a residence on Coyote Trail near Newport Street, and called in representatives of the California Department of Fish and Game.

The bear was safely immobilized with tranquilizers, transported to a local forest and released.

According to officials, the cub was approximately one to one and a half years old, and weighed about 125 pounds.

Residents told officials they believe the cub has been in the area for a while, as they have seen bear tracks around, although Saturday was the first time they had seen the bear itself.

Beau Yarbrough can be reached at 956-7108 or at beau@hesperiastar.com.