Oregon Man's Black Bear Relocation Sparks Debate and Legal Scrutiny in Eugene

An Oregon man, Oreon Crabtree, is facing scrutiny and potential legal issues after he captured and relocated a juvenile black bear in Eugene on April 6, 2025. The bear had been seen wandering through residential areas, raising concerns among locals. Crabtree, worried about the safety of children and pets, decided to take action after feeling that authorities were not responding quickly enough. Crabtree guided the bear into a cage and relocated it outside the city limits. However, he was later informed that his actions violated several laws. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was monitoring the bear and advises against unauthorized relocations, as they can be dangerous. ODFW also stated that the bear was likely exploring and would have moved on naturally. They recommend that residents avoid feeding bears and report any concerns to the authorities. ODFW's policy generally discourages relocating bears habituated to humans because these animals are more likely to have dangerous interactions with humans in the future. In some cases, habituated bears that pose a safety risk are euthanized. This incident highlights the complexities of human-wildlife interactions and the importance of following official guidelines to ensure the safety of both residents and animals.