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Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend June 15, 2006 Black bear still can be seen in Lithia Park By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune ASHLAND — A young, cinnamon-colored black bear continues to take refuges in Lithia Park despite efforts by city officials to starve it out by removing garbage bins. The bear was seen recently walking back and forth through the park, even strolling near the play structure, Ashland Parks and Recreation Department Director Don Robertson said. Talent photographer Tanner Lowe even snapped a few frames of the now-infamous bruin sitting atop a maintenance shed in the heart of the park. "It was 1:30 p.m. and it was just walking around on the roof, looking at people," Lowe said. "Eventually, it just walked down the roof line." The bear has been spotted in the park and eating garbage since before Memorial Day weekend, when parks officials removed more than 50 garbage cans and asked park picnickers to pack out all their garbage. Advertisement "He’s still roaming around," Robertson said. "So far, he hasn’t caused any threats to people." The bear is walking a tight line between curiosity and nuisance. State wildlife laws allow the killing of bears that raid garbage cans, become habituated to people or pose a public-safety risk. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife policy is that these bears are not trapped and relocated because of the liability of introducing a problem bear into another locale. "The recommendation is that the bear should be removed and not relocated," said Mark Vargas, an ODFW wildlife biologist in Central Point. The bear could be trapped and euthanized or shot by a city police officer, Vargas said. "That’s an option we don’t want," Robertson said. The Fish Lake Resort is holding its third annual trout-fishing derby Saturday at the lake off Highway 140 near the Jackson/Klamath county line. The derby will begin at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in various age groups, while all kids who participate will go home with a prize. The cost is $15, but kids 10 and under are free. The first 100 paying participants will receive a free T-shirt. Anglers must pre-register by 9 a.m. Saturday at the Fish Lake Resort. Late arrivals can register if there is room. For more information, telephone the resort at 541-949-8500. Reach reporter Mark Freeman at 776-4470, or e-mail Black bear still can be seen in Lithia Park ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Advertisement s