Authorities had to tranquilize a wandering black bear that caused a major traffic headache in New Westminster Friday morning.

The bear was spotted clambering over the railroad tracks near Braid Street and Brunette Avenue during rush hour, forcing police to temporarily close the busy intersection in all directions.

Conservation officer Alicia Stark said the bear probably lost its way while walking along the Fraser River.

"We've got lots of rivers and bush around here, so I think he was following the river in his natural area and found himself in the industrial area where he's not supposed to be," Stark said.

The bear, which appears to be about a year old, was likely out looking for food, authorities said.

Conservation crews were hoping to shoo the animal back toward the river, and did manage to steer him far enough away from Braid and Brunette to reopen the intersection, but the bear came back.

They eventually corralled the animal into a dense, brushy area near the SkyTrain tracks, and shot it with a tranquilizer dart after it emerged from the bushes.

"We just want to make sure he's staying a good distance away from people," Stark said.

Seven police and conservation officers carried the sleeping bear back to a vehicle so it could be relocated.

With files from CTV Vancouver's Maria Weisgarber