Suspected problem grizzly behaves himself

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. – A suspected problem grizzly bear wearing a tracking collar wrapped in bright yellow tape and sporting red ear tags is romping around the backcountry and apparently staying out of trouble, officials said Tuesday.

The 5-year-old bruin was the subject of a search by National Park Service rangers during the past two summers, suspected of being involved in several incidents of property damage at campgrounds. He eluded capture.

A grizzly fitting his description showed up near a road at Round Prairie this spring and was captured to determine whether he was the instigator of previous problems, the park said.

The special tracking collar was wrapped with bright yellow tape so the bear would be easily identifiable if it is involved in further incidents, officials said.

Park visitors are asked to report any sightings of the colorful grizzly in or near park campgrounds or developed areas.

There have been no public sightings since it was collared and released May 24, said Cheryl Matthews, park spokeswoman.

“There have been no incidents yet,” she said.