Eugene bear sighting prompts caution near West Bank bike path

A security guard at the St. Regis in Aspen was attacked by a bear that entered the resort's kitchen Monday evening, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department said. (Getty Images)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A young bear was spotted in Eugene on Monday, and authorities want you to keep it in mind if you spend time near the West Bank Bike Trail.

A person first reported seeing the bear in their yard near Skip Court and Caroline Drive around 11:13 a.m. Authorities said it was last spotted near the Owasso Bike Bridge.

Bear sightings may be more common in these areas, according to Eugene police.

Eugene has many natural spaces and parks that are home to a wide variety of wildlife. These natural spaces are one of the many attractive aspects of Eugene. Deer, squirrels, and birds live in these areas, but there may also be occasional, stray visits from cougars and other predators. Eugene has areas near forested and rural areas where bears and cougars reside. People should always be respectful of the fact that all wildlife is in fact “wild” and should be left out of the way.

In these areas, police advise residents to “be observant and keep their children and pets nearby.”