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Bear causes lane closure, slows traffic in Orem

(Photo courtesy Orem Police Department) This 2-year-old bear was tranquilized after it climbed a tree and next to State Street on Wednesday morning, disrupting traffic.

There was a traffic tie-up in Orem on Wednesday morning that didn't have anything to do with accidents or construction. The problem was — a bear.

After multiple reports of a bear in the area, police located the animal up a tree next to State Street near Center Street — in front of the Orem Police station — about 7:20 a.m. The right, northbound lane of State Street was closed while authorities tried to capture the bear.

Shortly after 8 a.m., the 2-year-old bear was tranquilized by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources personnel and removed from the area, according to Orem Police. It will be relocated.


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