An unusual tourist was removed from Portland’s downtown Friday morning.
Portland police responded at around 10:30 a.m. to reports of a young black bear around York Street.
Police worked to keep the city’s humans away from the animal and monitored the bear as it moved through the city.
Eventually, police say, the ursine mammal made its way to the parking garage under the Portland Harbor Hotel at Union and Fore streets near the city’s bustling Old Port district.
With help from Maine Game Wardens and state biologists, the bear was tranquilized, moved to a more suitable habitat and released back into the wild, police said.
“We appreciate the cooperation of residents, visitors and local businesses as wildlife officials worked to ensure the safety of both the public and the animal,” police stated. “If you encounter wildlife in an urban area, maintain a safe distance and contact local authorities.”
