Black bear spotted in north Charlotte neighborhood
A black bear was spotted in a north Charlotte neighborhood Wednesday night.
It happened around 7:30 p.m. in the Highland Creek neighborhood near the Mallard Creek and Concord Mills area. The homeowner caught video of the bear eating from a bird feeder.
According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), this is normal behavior and that black bears can be spotted in unusual places, but there is no cause for alarm. Bear sightings usually spike from Memorial Day Weekend through early summer, NCWRC says.
“A bear traveling to or through a highly populated area, even a place like Charlotte, is not an emergency,” said District Biologist Rupert Medford. “The best thing you can do is leave it alone, do not approach the bear, and let it travel on through.”
Photo Courtesy: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
No one was harmed by the bear. However, NCWRC is reminding the public to become familiar with BearWise when encountering a bear. BearWise Basics include:
- Never feed or approach a bear
- Secure food, garbage, and recycling
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active
- Never leave pet food outdoors and keep dogs leashed
- Clean and store grills
- Inform your neighbors
