Bear that ran loose in Baldwin Park found dead 30 miles away

A 3-year-old bear found dead Tuesday in the Antelope Valley was positively identified as the same bear that was running loose in Baldwin Park early Friday morning, wildlife officials said.

Officials were called to a residence Tuesday in Littlerock, where the 275-pound male California black bear was said to be sleeping on the porch, according to California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Andrew Hughan.

When officials approached the bear, they found it had died of injuries consistent with a vehicle collision, he said in a statement. It was taken to Los Angeles County Animal control for further examination.

The bear traveled more than 30 miles north to Littlerock after it was tranquilized and released into the Angeles National Forest on Friday. He was identified using an ear tag, Hughan said.

On Friday, the bear was found running loose near an abandoned restaurant at Puente Avenue and Ramona Boulevard in Baldwin Park. Wildlife officials were called to assist Baldwin Park police.

The bear, which was in a tree about 8 feet off the ground, was tranquilized with a dart and released into the Angeles National Forest, Hughan said.

Black bears are common in the Southern California mountains and are particularly active in fall as they prepare for winter by bulking up their fat layers, he said. Residents should secure trash cans and avoid leaving food out.

Foul play is not suspected in the bear’s death. Officials ask the public to report serious animal strikes to the CalTip line at (888) 334-2258. It is not a crime or vehicle code violation to hit an animal, he said.

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Twitter: @Sam_Schaefer

Samantha.Schaefer@latimes.com