A black bear in seen in the Cascade Range. Medford police received multiple reports Sunday of a black bear sighting near Oakdale and 10th Street, as well as along Stewart Avenue near Fichtner-Mainwaring Park. An Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist said Tuesday the bear, which had moved to the Bear Creek Greenway in south Medford Monday, had left the area.

A black bear reported in various areas of Medford Sunday and Monday left the tree it was clinging to along the Bear Creek Greenway, according to a wildlife biologist.

Matthew Vargas, a Rogue District wildlife biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, said Tuesday morning that his staff reported to him they drove past a tree near East Jackson Street and the underpass of Interstate 5 where the animal had been as of Monday afternoon, but it was gone.

“That’s what we were hoping for,” Vargas said.

Medford Police Lieutenant Donald Lane said Tuesday that he is not aware of any other sightings of the bear since it came down from the tree.

Vargas said euthanizing the bear “was never really on the table,” emphasizing that ODFW and law enforcement would work together to determine whether any lethal use of force was necessary, with police taking the lead based on public safety concerns.

Police posted on Facebook Sunday night that a number of bear sightings had been reported near Oakdale and 10th Street, as well as along Stewart Avenue near Fichtner-Mainwaring Park. Vargas, who did not learn of the bear sighting until Monday, reported the bear had sought refuge in a tree along the Bear Creek Greenway. Vargas said ODFW staff went to the site and provided guidance to law enforcement on how to handle the bear.

Bears believe their “safe haven” is often up a tree during the day after they’ve been searching for food at night, according to Vargas. 

“We haven’t heard anything this morning,” he said Tuesday.

Vargas said anyone who sees a bear can call the ODFW office in Central Point at 541-826-8774.

Vargas reiterated his comments Monday for people to not approach bears if they see them.

“It’s still a wild animal. Give it space, give it plenty of pathways to leave if it’s in a closed area,” Vargas said. “Don’t try to take pictures of it or befriend it. It just wants to be left alone.”