A black bear's tree-top tour of an east Medford neighborhood ended late Thursday when the creature sauntered back to its territory somewhere near Roxy Ann Peak under the distant watch of two Medford police officers.

The some 400-pound bruin descended from its perch in a tree near Woodbridge Drive after 10 p.m. and headed east on Spring Street toward Pierce Road shortly after police dimmed their patrol vehicles' lights and drew away from the tree.

"We wanted things to be quiet so the bear would feel comfortable enough to climb down and leave," said Medford police Lt. Bob Hansen.

Calls about the bear started trickling in to Medford police dispatch between 4 and 4:30 a.m. Thursday.

Medford police, joined at times by Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials, kept watch through the day to ensure the bear and the neighborhood residents stayed safe.

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The bear remained peaceful throughout its visit, Hansen said.

While commonplace in Ashland, bear sightings are relatively rare in Medford.

It is unknown what brought the burly visitor to town, as the animal didn't appear to be sick or hungry, officials said.

"Something might have spooked him, or maybe he was just curious," Hansen said. "Hopefully, he's returned to Jellystone Park with Boo Boo and Yogi (Bear) and won't be coming back."

Reach reporter Paris Achen by calling 541-776-4459 or pachen@mailtribune.com.