Bear Cub Rescued from Tree in San Tan Valley, Arizona
A bear cub was safely rescued yesterday in San Tan Valley, Arizona, after being spotted wandering in a rural area and climbing a palm tree.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) initially received reports of the cub last week, but attempts to capture it were initially unsuccessful. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, deputies located the cub near Arizona Farms and Felix Road, where it had ascended a palm tree. Authorities from PCSO, Valley Metro Fire, and Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department collaborated on the rescue operation.
Officials with the Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) tranquilized the cub, allowing firefighters from Rural Metro Fire and Queen Creek Fire to safely remove it from the tree. The cub, now nicknamed Ted, is being cared for by AZGFD and will be relocated to a suitable habitat in northern Arizona. Bear sightings are rare in the San Tan Valley area, and this incident highlights the importance of responsible wildlife management. You can learn more about bear safety and awareness on the AZGFD website.
Wildlife managers will monitor Ted’s acclimation to his new environment following his release. The AZGFD stated the cub appeared to be in good health and is expected to thrive in the northern Arizona wilderness, as detailed in our recent article on local conservation efforts.
