Ruston Police Department and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are tracking a bear that made an appearance in downtown Ruston today.

Police Lt. Curtis Hawkins said the bear was first sighted when he peered in a window at the Fairfield Inn.

Hawkins said that the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is allowing the bear to continue to roam, but is still actively engaged in pursuit of the bear. Hawkins said that he last saw the bear on the railroad tracks near Durden Street.

Bearly knew ‘im: ‘Yogi’ makes Choudrant appearance first

Mayor Bill Sanderson said the black bear was first spotted Monday in Choudrant.

“We saw it, we checked it out, and we named him Yogi,” Sanderson quipped. “He is beautiful.”

Sanderson said that Ruston Police Department had cornered the bear up a tree in Ruston earlier today, but Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents told officers to let the bear go.

“They do not want to trap him,” Sanderson said.

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