Watch This Tranquilized Bear Make a Soft Landing

Quick Take

• A tranquilized bear dangling from a tree is dramatic enough, and what happens the moment it lets go is something you have to see. Watch the bear drop →
• Climate change is pushing bears into your neighborhood, and the reason has nothing to do with what most people assume. See why bears are moving in →
• Bears can track down a meal from a staggering distance, and something in your backyard is almost certainly on their radar. Find out what attracts them →
• If a bear walks onto your property, your first instinct is probably wrong. Here's what wildlife experts say to do instead. Get expert safety tips →

Over the years, bears have increasingly entered human neighborhoods and spaces. Deforestation and food scarcity are part of the problem, and their presence in human spaces can be unsettling and dangerous. This has resulted in the need to safely remove these animals through efforts like tranquilization. This Instagram post by @briana_supardi shows a bear being tranquilized while in a tree, before it safely falls to the ground. Read on to learn more.

Crash Landing

The video above is a dramatic sight. A black bear that had climbed up a tree was tranquilized in hopes of getting it down. The method was effective, and after hanging on for a while, the bear finally dropped onto a padded net. Scenes like this are not new and are actually becoming more common. There is an increase in bear encounters in suburban areas, not only in the United States but also in countries like Japan. Although keeping your distance is important, bear attacks still occur, prompting increased measures to prevent bears from entering human spaces.

Food is a major reason for the shift. As climate change creates food loss through droughts and wildfires, bears are losing stable sources of sustenance that they have historically relied on. Since human garbage, bird feeders, and even backyard chicken coops are all consistent food sources to them, bears are migrating to human neighborhoods to secure their next meal.

What to Do If a Bear Shows Up

To prevent bears from coming close to your home, as seen in the video above, there are a few steps you can take. One is to secure your trash. Bears can pick up on food scents from miles away. To prevent this, double-bag your garbage in a bear-resistant trash can. Other sources of outdoor food odors, such as bird feeders or grills, should also be cleaned regularly or kept inside, such as in the garage. This will prevent any scents from traveling too far. If a bear still enters your property, stay indoors and keep a safe distance. It’s important to never approach a bear. Instead, try to make yourself appear larger and make lots of noise.