Albany, NY Police and DEC Rescue Bear from Neighborhood Tree
A young bear in an Albany, NY tree led to a morning of road closures and a coordinated rescue by local police and environmental experts.
by Admin
Apr 29, 2026
Residents in a quiet Albany, NY neighborhood woke up to an unusual sight early Tuesday morning. At around 2 a.m., a young black bear climbed high into a tree near the corner of Second Avenue and Raymo Street. The bear stayed perched in the branches well after sunrise. This caused quite a stir for families living nearby.
The Albany Police Department responded quickly to keep the area safe. Officers closed Second Avenue between Hoffman Avenue and Frisbie Avenue. They also shut down Garden Street at Raymo Street to all traffic. These closures helped keep onlookers at a distance so the bear would not get more stressed.
Experts Coordinate a Complex Rescue
Crews from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) arrived to help. Wildlife biologist Jeremy Hurst explained that they usually prefer letting bears leave on their own. However, this urban area had too many fences and busy highways nearby. The large crowd of spectators also made it hard for the bear to climb down safely.
To protect both the public and the animal, the team decided to chemically immobilize the bear. Officers and DEC staff set up a large safety net and heavy padding under the tree. Just before noon, trained staff used a tranquilizer on the bear. Everyone waited nearby as the sedative began to take effect.
A Safe Ending for the Albany Bear
The stubborn cub clung to the high branches for nearly two hours after being tranquilized. It even climbed a bit higher as it grew woozy. Eventually, a small twig snapped and the bear lost its footing. It tumbled through the branches and landed safely in the prepared net.
Once the bear was secure, officers and wildlife staff checked its health. This bear was likely a one-year-old male searching for new territory. This behavior is common in the spring as hibernation ends. The bear was safely relocated away from the city and released into the Catskill Mountains.
Keeping Our Community and Wildlife Safe
This successful rescue shows the dedication of the Albany Police Department and the DEC. Their quick thinking and teamwork turned a tense situation into a positive story. We are grateful for the officers who worked for hours to protect our neighborhood and this young animal.
If you see a bear that is an immediate risk to safety, call 911 right away. For non-emergency bear issues, call the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do police and wildlife agencies coordinate their responses during urban animal emergencies?
State environmental agencies and local police work closely together by combining resources. Police secure the area and ensure public safety while the wildlife department handles the animal. This clear structure provides a smooth and effective operation for the community.
2. Is it safe to approach a black bear in an urban area?
No, it is not safe to approach any wild bear. These animals can become defensive if they feel threatened or cornered by a crowd. Always maintain a large distance and alert the authorities to handle the situation.
3. What do you do if you see a bear in a city?
Stay inside your home if you can and immediately contact the local police. Do not try to shout at or run toward the bear. Keeping the surrounding area quiet helps the response team do their work safely.
4. Why are bears sometimes found in urban areas?
Young male bears often travel several dozen miles to find their own new territory. Sometimes their paths lead them into busy neighborhoods by mistake. This is common during the spring months as they search for food.
5. What is the difference between black bear and brown bear safety?
Black bears are often more passive but should still be treated with great respect. Making yourself look large and being vocal works best for black bears. For brown bears, you should avoid eye contact and back away.
6. How are tranquilizers used safely on bears during an urban wildlife encounter?
Wildlife experts calculate the medicine dose based on the bear's size and weight. This allows the animal to be humanely captured without any pain. It is the safest way to move a bear from a dangerous spot.
Sources:
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Story Source: Albany Police Department
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Video Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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Additional Reporting: