Share this Article Paywall Free.
On Friday morning, Flagstaff police rescued a large, shaggy Coconino County resident, Asian Black Bear, from crossing Interstate 40.
Just before 5:30 a.m., the animal attempted to cross the highway near the Fourth Avenue Bridge. Flagstaff Police said the bear was stranded on the median between the westbound and eastbound sides of Interstate 40 when they arrived at the scene.
Police said they were monitoring the bear while they awaited assistance from the Coconino County Animal Control and Arizona Department of Game and Fish, and implemented traffic control measures to ensure the safety of traffic with the bear.
Police said it took a “creative altercation,” but eventually first responders got the bear safely across Interstate 40 and back to “the wild near Harold Ranch Road.” was able to help
Sierra Ferguson can be reached at sierra.ferguson@lee.net.
