Colorado Parks & Wildlife rescues bear stuck in culvert

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- People at a ranch in Steamboat Springs got a big surprise when they looked inside a culvert over a water line and found that a bear had made its way inside.

The bear couldn't climb out of the culvert, though it tried to get a grip on the ridged pipe several times. Video caught by Kevin Deshazer and Cregan Ortner showed the bear's plight and ultimate rescue on Tuesday.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife staffers went to the Priest Creek Ranch and tranquilized the bear. One ranger then climbs into the culvert to tie a strap to the bear, and they use a tractor to lift it out.

It's not clear how long the bear was stuck inside the culvert.