Hartford — A young black bear that spent some time in a Hartford neighborhood has been safely tranquilized and relocated by state environmental officers.

The 250-pound male estimated to be about 3 1/2 years old was spotted on Colebrook Street in the Blue Hills area at about 9:30 a.m. Sunday. He was up in a tree at around 10 a.m.

Hartford Police spokesman Deputy Chief Brian Foley tweeted around an hour later that the bear was safe and leaving for "more comfy surroundings."

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says bears look for food in populated areas this time of the year.

People are advised not to leave food, including bird feeders, outside, and to secure garbage. People who spot a bear are asked to call the agency's wildlife division at 860-675-8130.