BEREA — A Black Bear was spotted in the area between University Blvd. and Basalt Drive on July 5. It was spotted again later in the week attempting to enter the Giant Supermarket at Celebrate Virginia.
Virginia Fish and Wildlife Media Relations Coordinator Julia Dixon said this is the time of year when people are more likely to see young bears.
“The females are coming back into mating season and their young cubs head out on their own,” she said.
Generally the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries will only tranquilize and relocate a bear as a last resort. This would usually only occur if the animal was repeatedly reported wandering around an area such as a school.
The reason they don’t attempt to trap the bears is twofold, finding a place to relocate the bear and the adverse physical and emotional impact on the animal.
“Tranquilizing and relocating the bear is very stressful on the animal,” said Dixon.
She did advise that people should keep a close eye on their children and domestic pets and not let them out alone if a bear has been recently sited in the neighborhood.
Guidelines for coexisting with Black Bears include removing any food sources outside the home, to include pet food and bird feeders. It is also advisable to wait until morning to put trash out on scheduled pick up days. Since bears are usually just trying to find food, when out on their own without their mother’s guidance, they can start to seek food in the wrong places. Dixon emphasized that people should never feed any wild animal.
Information on Living with Black Bears in Virginia can be found on the Virginia Fish and Wildlife Web site at: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/bear/living-with-black-bears.asp.
Marty van Duyne is a contributing writer for the Stafford County Sun.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Results Loading...