ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, June 17, 1996                  TAG: 9606170041
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-4  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BETTY HAYDEN SNIDER

BEAR OUT FOR A BITE TO EAT

Every year, 1 or 2 bears wander into urban areas

A bear wandered into downtown Roanoke on Sunday morning, probably passing through in its annual search for food, a game official said.

The bear was spotted near the Roanoke Civic Center and ended up in Gainsboro, where a city animal control officer tranquilized it. The animal was released in a national park.

"This is not unusual for this time of year," said Lt. Karl Martin of the state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. "The bears are traveling, looking for food."

Every year, one or two bears are spotted in urban areas, he said.

"They create quite a stir in the inner city, but thus far there have been no injuries."

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