BROOKLINE, Mass. (WHDH) -- The last place neighbors on Hammond Street in Brookline thought they’d see a black bear was in their backyard.

It’s not every day residents see a 200-pound bear lounging in a tree.

“It was insane. We had about five kids in the car -- three of the five saw it -- so incredible to see him sitting up in the tree,” said Stacey Shea, a witness.

“It’s shocking. You would never think -- you hear, you see these TV shows where these bears are jumping off,” said Nedda Bonassera, who works nearby.

Curiosity seekers and animal lovers gathered for a glimpse of the bear.

“A little scary,” said Ayako Hattori, a witness.

Police kept the crowd back and blocked off Hammond Street when the bear was tranquilized.

“It was great. It was the opportunity of a lifetime to see him up there,” said Shea.

Onlookers said they hope the bear has a long happy life somewhere in the wilderness.