Whitewater Preserve closed after bear sighting

Officials have closed Whitewater Preserve after a bear was spotted in the area.

A black bear was seen climbing a tree about 8 am Wednesday, Assistant Manager Tori Stanton told the Desert Sun.

Good morning everyone, we will be closed today, July 18th due to a black bear (Ursus americanus) on the preserve. Our scheduled 9:30am plant talk is also cancelled. Please check back for updates!

Posted by Whitewater Preserve on Wednesday, July 18, 2018

The preserve has been closed for hikers and campers as rangers wait for the bear to come down from the tree on its own.