‘Use common sense;’ experts weighs in amid bear sighting in Wilmington
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) — A video showing a black bear running through a Wilmington neighborhood is drawing attention online and raising questions about how common bear sightings are in the area.
The video shows a small black bear running through a neighborhood near Wrightsville Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard.
According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, eastern North Carolina is home to some of the densest black bear populations in the world. Wildlife officials say bears are often attracted to the coast because of abundant agriculture and warmer temperatures compared to food sources available in the mountains.
John Henry Harrelson said sightings may become more common this time of year because it is currently breeding season for bears.
“Males are out looking for females and in turn moms are kicking their babies out from last year, and so that’s likely what this bear was,” Harrelson said. “It looked to be about an 80, 90-pound bear, which would fit that profile of a yearling bear.”
Harrelson said residents who encounter a bear should secure trash cans and bird feeders and keep pets indoors or on a leash.
He also encouraged people to use caution and give bears space.
“Use common sense and give bears space and respect,” Harrelson said.
