State Officials: Cape Cod Bear Can Keep Wandering

State wildlife officials have called off a plan to try to trap a black bear that's been wandering around Cape Cod.

Division of Fisheries and Wildlife spokeswoman Marion Larson says officials changed their strategy Friday because the animal hasn't gotten into trouble.

She says officials "were probably over-thinking it" when coming up with the idea of capturing the bear, thought to be a male around three years old.

Larson says the mere presence of a bear doesn't constitute a public safety threat.

The animal got to the Cape on Memorial Day weekend, before making its way out to its tip this week. Scientists believe it swam from the mainland.

State officials believe it's the first time in history a black bear has been on the Cape.