PORT ANGELES — A young adult black bear — estimated between 150 and 175 pounds — was captured in a trap Thursday morning on Mount Angeles Road and released in forestland west of Port Angeles.
“It was as cute as could be — a big round ball of fur. It appeared to be in excellent health,” said Mike Schmidt, wildlife agent for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The bear’s gender was unknown since wildlife agents didn’t get close enough to check, he said.
Fish and Wildlife agents set the trap Feb. 4 in the 3400 block of Mount Angeles Road after residents reported a bear going through garbage and stealing apples.
Another trap had been set Jan. 27 in the Scrivner Road area following similar reports.
The traps resemble a section of sewer pipe on a wheeled-trailer with a grate over the front.