By Dennis Box-The Courier-Herald

It must be spring since flowers and bears are popping up around the area.

Diana Wheatly said a black bear ran in front of her car about 10 p.m. April 23 after she turned onto 146th Street East from Prairie Ridge Drive.

“He wasn't big,” Wheatly said. “About twice the size of my Airedale.”

Wheatly said the bear ran down a driveway and probably climbed a fence. She stopped at a neighbor's house and called 911. Wildlife officers have not contacted her, Wheatly said.

“It was very exciting,” Wheatly said. “ I've never seen a bear in the wild before. I wish he would come back.”

Three bears were spotted Thursday hanging out in a tree in Riverside Park near Sumner. Two juveniles were trapped and relocated by wildlife officers.

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com.