Roads closed for bear in tree in downtown Landrum

Published 2:02 pm Saturday, July 22, 2017

A bear is causing roads to be closed in downtown Landrum. The bear was in a tree across from Wells Fargo on Saturday, July 22. The city is working with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources to get the bear to safety and encouraging people to stay away from the area. (photo by Michael Sarratt)

Update: The Landrum Fire and Rescue Department said a little after 5 p.m. Saturday, July 22 that “The bear is safely out of the tree and is being relocated. All roads have been reopened. Thanks for everyone’s patience.”

Roads were blocked in Landrum while officials attempted to get a bear safely out of a tree. The bear wandered into Landrum on Friday, July 21 and after getting scared because of all the attention it was generating, the bear climbed a tree and was still there as of almost 2 p.m. Saturday, July 22.

The Landrum Fire and Rescue was working with the Landrum Police Department ad the S.C. Department of Natural Resources on a plan to remove the bear.

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Officials are asking that people stay away from the area.

“As many of you know, yesterday (Friday) a bear wandered into Landrum and after getting scared because of the attention he was generating, he climbed a tree and is still there because of the people continuing to come and take pictures,” states a release from the Landrum Fire and Rescue District.

A natural resources officer told people to stay away from the area Saturday morning because the bear was likely scared, thirsty and hungry and would not come down if people were around.

The town blocked roads at Rutherford Street and Shamrock Avenue and at Rutherford Street and Bomar Avenue, according to a release from the Landrum Fire Department.

“As the situation evolves, expect other possible road closures to resolve curiosity by both the bear and the general public,” stated the fire department’s release.

The fire department said it will provide updates on Facebook as more information is available.