A black bear who reported early to classes at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway had to be safely relocated to the Winona Wildlife Management Area.
The Conway Police Department reported on their Facebook page that the bear was walking around Hillman Street near South Davis Street.
The bear then climbed up a tree and refused to come out "even after officers had moved away."
Officers with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission arrived and were able to tranquilize the bear. It was then relocated to a wooded where it woke up from its nap. The groggy bear wandered off to find its new home outside of the city.
"We actually called Conway Fire Department and they came out with a ladder truck and just as they were about to bring the bear down it sort of rolled over and fell," Arkansas Game & Fish Commission spokesperson Trey Reid said. "Fortunately we had deployed some air mattresses at the base of the tree because this is something we've done before."
In order to keep bears away from residential areas, people should secure their trash can lids and avoid leaving dog food outside, Reid said.
"If you should come in contact with a bear, leave it alone, call local authorities or call us at the Game & Fish Commission," Reid said. "We have wildlife professionals around the state. We actually have a nuisance bear response team that handles situations like this regularly," he said.
UCA President Houston Davis had a little fun on Twitter sharing the news, telling "Freshman Bears" they did not have to report to campus until Sunday.
"We found this guy near the [southeast] border of campus and had to tranquilize him until first day of classes," Davis said.
Freshman Bears: You do not have to report until Sunday! We found this guy near the SE border of campus and had to tranquilize him until first day of classes. Thanks to Officer Louden and the rest of our @UCAPoliceDept for watching out for all Bears! @ucabears pic.twitter.com/wQlneWWq4J
Hopefully, the bear will live out a full and healthy life in the woods of the Winona Wildlife Management Area and avoid any late night trips to Conway.
This article has been updated to include that it was transported to the Winona Wildlife Management Area.