Bear climbs ladder to escape Colorado skate park

[August 27, 2009]  SNOWMASS, Colo. (AP) -- A bear that wandered into a sunken skateboard park and got stuck was rescued when officials lowered a ladder so it could climb out.

The bear was discovered Tuesday morning in the Colorado resort town of Snowmass. Officials say it apparently was in the park all night, and couldn't get out because of the steep concrete sides.

Workers from the Parks and Recreation Department lowered a long ladder. The bear eventually climbed the ladder and wandered away.

No injuries were reported to people or the bear.

Bear sightings have been common this summer in the Colorado mountains. Authorities are pressing residents not to leave out food or trash that attract bears.

Most bears are trapped and relocated after encounters with humans. More aggressive bears are shot.

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Information from: KUSA-TV, http://www.9news.com/

[Associated Press]

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