BY JOHN ANDERSON, video courtesy NYS DEC
When New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officer Jason Powers received a phone call that a bear was caught in a coyote trap in the Allegany County town of Cuba, he knew he had to call another officer in for backup.
His brother, Jamie Powers. He responded with ECO Ike Bobseine to Cuba, as the landowner explained in his call to Central Dispatch that while checking his traps, he walked up to a bear that had accidentally got himself caught in one of the foot hold traps.
Jamie Powers and Bobseine responded immediately with Jason Powers and found the bear was stuck as well as the trapper, who was concerned for the safety and health of the bear.
Story continued after video:
Bobseine knew from other incidents to bring a large piece of plywood. DEC officials said Bobseine then used a saw to cut an opening in the bottom of the plywood to be placed around the trapped bear paw. Bobseine and Jason Powers then held the plywood against the bear while Jamie Powers released the paw from the trap.
The good news is, the bear was fine.
As soon as the officers released the bear from the trap, the bear immediately ran away.
However, the bear returned because there was a puddle near the area. The bear took a much-needed drink and left the scene.
Officers said the bear was “healthy and unharmed.”
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