Juvenile bear spotted overnight crossing parts of UC Davis’ campus, officials say
A juvenile bear wandered through UC Davis’ campus late Thursday and early Friday, prompting an advisory to students and a multi-agency search before the animal left the area.
The bear was first reported about 10:40 p.m. in the West Village neighborhood on the west side of campus, according to a university statement. It was later seen near the Segundo and Primero residence halls and near the Activities and Recreation Center.
The last confirmed sighting was about 12:10 a.m. Friday, when the bear was seen leaving campus through the Student Farm, UC Davis said.
The university issued an Aggie Alert early Friday warning students and staff to avoid the area. The alert was lifted shortly after 5 a.m.
No injuries were reported, said UC Davis spokesperson Andy Fell.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife wardens, Yolo County Animal Control officers and UC Davis police searched for the bear, “which is thought to be a juvenile that had reached the age when they leave their mother to seek their own territory,” officials said.
The campus sighting came two days after Davis police warned residents about a reported mountain lion sighting near Kestrel Place and a bike path in northeast Davis.
Wildlife experts said young animals, particularly males, can roam long distances as they seek new territory, occasionally passing through suburban neighborhoods and urban areas.
