New Black Bear Sightings Reported In Rockville; Public Warned To Avoid Contact With Animal

ROCKVILLE, MD — Black bear sightings were reported Thursday night in the King Farm and College Parkway area, according to an update posted Friday, at 9:30 a.m., on the Rockville City Police Department's official Twitter account.

On Thursday, police reported that a black bear was seen in the Woodley Gardens and Great Falls Road area on Wednesday night.

Following those sightings, police notified the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which will attempt to trap and move the bear once it's been located.

Police warned members of the public that if they see a bear they should not approach it nor should they try to capture it. Instead, call RCPD at 240-314-8900 immediately.

About 2,000 adult and subadult black bears roam Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties, which is where most of the sightings are reported, according to MDNR.

Female black bears (sows) give birth in their dens in January and February. While the newborn cubs are ready to head out on their own after six months, they typically stay together as a family unit until the sow is ready to breed again the next June.

If you encounter a bear, stay calm and don't surprise the bear if it hasn't noticed you.

RCPD shared the following flyer from BearWise.org on its social media accounts on Friday morning.