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Baffled firefighters in Colorado had to use a hydraulic platform to rescue a bear that had somehow got stuck in a 50-foot-high treetop.
The bear had been hanging around suburban homes in Littleton, Colorado State, USA when something spooked it and the bruin fled straight up a tree.
Bears are normally excellent climbers, but this one seemed stuck fast, so locals called emergency services on 4th October.
Video footage of the rescue shows how the bear has been hit with a tranquilliser dart, and firefighters and wildlife experts try to guide it towards the ground.
Finally, the drug kicks in and the bear topples slowly towards the ground, its fall broken by lower branches.
The footage shows the sedated, 200lb animal then being readied to be transported to an area of woodland to be set free.
In a statement, West Metro Fire Rescue said: “Our crews on Tuesday afternoon, assisting Colorado Parks and Wildlife with a bear in a tree at W. Elmhurst Place and W. Friend Place in Littleton.
“The bear had been hanging out in that neighborhood since Monday night, and it was hoped that he’d move on today- but didn’t.
“West Metro Tower 2 and Truck 14 responded- firefighters first attempted to move into place to try and get a harness around the bear to lower him to the ground after he was tranquilized, but he was hiding behind thick branches and there was no way to get to him.
“West Metro Tower 2 provided a platform so wildlife officers could get up and reach the bear to shoot tranquilizer darts, then waited until he fell asleep.
“Wildlife officers say the bear appeared to be about 6 to 8 years old.
“He will be relocated to an area a bit more bear appropriate.”
West Metro Fire Rescue signed off with the motto: “Whatever it takes to serve.”
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