Homesick black bear treks 90 miles back to Northern Michigan town after DNR relocation – MLive.com

TRAVERSE CITY, MI A black bear that caused mischief in Traverse City for months before it was relocated in April apparently got homesick, the Associated Press reports.

A radio collar indicates that the bear trekked 90 miles back to Grand Traverse County from the Alpena area, according to AP and the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

The bear had raided bird feeders and trash cans, and evaded several capture attempts by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before he was finally lured by birdseed in April. Wildlife officials gave him a lip tattoo, ear tag and an electronic collar before he was taken to the less populous eastern Lower Peninsula.

RELATED: Black bear making mischief in Northern Michigan city for months captured by DNR

The DNR used weekly plane flyovers to track the collar heading back west.

For some reason he likes the Lake Michigan coast, said Steve Griffith, a wildlife biologist for the DNRs Traverse City office.

Sightings of the ear-tagged bear have been reported by residents, but there hasnt been any plundering any birdfeeders or trashcans.

Hes stubborn. But hopefully hes a little bit reformed, Griffith said. Well keep our fingers crossed.

In April, Griffith said the DNR might have to consider euthanasia if the bear showed up in neighborhoods again.

Michigan is home to approximately 12,000 black bears. About 10,000 live in the Upper Peninsula, while 2,000 are in the Lower Peninsula, according to the DNR.

The bears can be attracted to residences by the smell of birdfeed even if the feeder is currently empty grills, trash and pet food, Griffith said.

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Homesick black bear treks 90 miles back to Northern Michigan town after DNR relocation - MLive.com