Bear Cub Booted From College For Getting High In Tree

<p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cuboulder/photos/pcb.10155857785005171/10155857783175171/?type=1&theater">Facebook/University of Colorado Boulder</a><span></span> </p>
<p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cuboulder/photos/pcb.10155857785005171/10155857783175171/?type=1&theater">Facebook/University of Colorado Boulder</a><span></span> </p>

A young bear had quite a misadventure last week when he found himself in the middle of a busy college campus.

The University of Colorado Boulder announced on Friday that the 2-year-old bear had been spotted in a tree that morning. Recognizing that a campus full of students wasn't the best place for a bear to be, the school called in Colorado Parks and Wildlife to relocate the frightened animal.

Facebook/University of Colorado Boulder

Unfortunately, since the bear was perched in a tree, it wasn't the easiest rescue. Wildlife officials shot him with a tranquilizer dart and set up mats for him to fall on. While some people have expressed concerns that he missed the mats, a video of the incident appears to show the mat absorbing the brunt of the bear's fall before he tumbles off onto the grass.

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In any case, officials reported that the young bear was none the worse for wear. He'll be relocated to the nearby mountains, where he'll hopefully learn that quiet forests are a better home than busy campus quads.

Facebook/University of Colorado Boulder

It's a happy ending to what could have been a tragic story. There have been a number of questions lately about the effectiveness of bear management policies, as well as several needless deaths.

Facebook/University of Colorado Boulder

And it's not just officials that are to blame: On Friday, residents of another Colorado community found its peaceful neighborhood bear dead on someone's lawn, sparking outrage. If found, the perpetrator could face a fine of up to $20,000.

But this young bear received kinder treatment. And he certainly could use a helping hand: at two years old, he's likely just learning how to live without mom.