Sleepy bear in tree challenges Oregon firefighters

[October 06, 2010]  BEND, Ore. (AP) -- Firefighters in Bend, Ore., are trained for rescues -- even for saving a 300-pound black bear passed out 60 feet up a tree.

Police say the bear was knocking over trash cans and making other mischief Monday night in a city neighborhood before it scrambled up the tree.

KTVZ-TV says Fish and Wildlife workers went to remove it and shot it with multiple tranquilizers because of its size.

After the bear nodded off, two firefighters climbed up and put harnesses on it, then took their time carefully lowering the bear to safety.

Bend fire engineer Tom Edwards tells the TV station it all went well.

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Information from: KTVZ-TV, http://www.ktvz.com/

[Associated Press]

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