Lethargic Young Bear Put Down; Rabies Tests Return Negative

WHO:

KATU - Chris Pedersen, a Fox Hollow resident, spotted the bear.

KATU - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Oregon State Police (OSP) were involved in the response.

KATU - Meghan Dugan, ODFW Public Affairs Specialist, provided information about the bear's condition and the decision to euthanize.

WHAT:

KATU - A young bear was euthanized after displaying lethargic behavior.

KATU - The bear weighed 38 pounds and was identified as a yearling.

KATU - The bear tested negative for rabies after being in contact with humans.

KATU - Euthanasia was deemed the most humane option for the bear, which was likely abandoned and unable to fend for itself.

WHERE:

KATU - The incident occurred in the South Hill area of Eugene, Oregon.

KATU - The bear was transported to the wildlife health lab in Corvallis, Oregon.

WHEN:

KATU - The bear was first spotted on July 16 at 9:00 a.m.

KATU - ODFW biologists observed the bear for about 15 minutes before deciding to euthanize it.

WHY:

KATU - The bear's unusual behavior raised concerns for rabies due to its lethargy and loss of wariness.

KATU - ODFW stated that young bears often cannot fend for themselves, leading to emaciation and death.

HOW:

KATU - Residents attempted to steer the bear back into the woods by placing fruit 50 feet off the main road.

KATU - ODFW attempted to capture the bear, which tried to bite at the biologists and officers.

KATU - The bear was observed lying down in a crate with shallow, rapid breathing before the decision to euthanize was made.

(UPDATED July 25, 2026 07:41 UTC)

A young bear was euthanized in the South Hill area of Eugene, Oregon, after displaying lethargic behavior that raised concerns about its health. Weighing just 38 pounds and identified as a yearling, the bear had tested negative for rabies but was likely abandoned and unable to fend for itself, leading the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to deem euthanasia the most humane option. Residents had attempted to guide the bear back into the woods by placing fruit off the main road, but after observing its shallow, rapid breathing, biologists decided to euthanize the animal for its well-being.