HAMILTON — An orphaned black bear cub caused a bit of a stir when he was spotted perched in a crab apple tree near a Montana middle school.
The Ravalli Republic reports that Hamilton Middle School officials escorted students between buildings and canceled outdoor lunch after the approximately 25-pound cub was spotted Wednesday.
It was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Helena.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear biologist Jamie Jonkel says there have been several orphan bears this year. They come down into the valley because traditional foods in the mountains have disappeared early.
According to Jonkel, the problem started with early warmth last spring. Even food in the lower elevations ripened early.
He says he is averaging 35 to 40 calls per day about bears trying to get food from houses.