Bear Spotted Walking Through Yards, On Porches In Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — A black bear was spotted in Arlington’s Maywood community Monday morning, walking through people’s yards and onto porches as it headed to a park on the east side of the neighborhood near the Custis Trail.

The bear, who was seen around 7:30 a.m. Monday, is believed to be a young bear who may have traveled away from its home base.

The Arlington Welfare League of Arlington said the young bear was first spotted by a member of the public on Sunday. Arlington County Animal Control Officers confirmed the sighting and immediately contacted the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Virginia State biologist, AWLA said in an email to Patch on Monday.

"The bear seems healthy and is likely a male yearling moving through Arlington County in his search for a new home habitat," AWLA said. "We are continuing to update these agencies as the location of the bear changes."

While bear sightings are rare in Arlington, they do happen from time to time. A couple years ago, a black bear was spotted in the parking lot of Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington.

"Unfortunately, in past bear sightings, we have had issues with members of the public going out in search of the bear to take their own photos or see it for themselves," AWLA said. "This is very dangerous, and can cause harm to you, others, and the bear."

Instead, AWLA encourages residents to call 703-931-9241 if they spot the bear, and keep a safe distance from the bear.

According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, black bears have a natural distrust of humans, are shy, and usually avoid people. However, bears may be attracted to food sources in residential areas and, over time, may become more comfortable around people.

"Often a bear in your yard is just passing through and, if it finds no food, will simply move on," the DWR says. "Don’t allow the bear to feel comfortable in your yard. After ensuring the bear has an escape route, make lots of noise to encourage it to leave."

Bears need personal space, so always give them an escape route. Never get between a sow and her cubs. And it's very important to never run from a bear because it will want to chase you.

Black bears in Virginia feed mainly on berries and fruits, nuts, grasses and insects. Their diet is approximately 75 percent vegetarian.

AWLA urges residents to follow recommendations from the DWR:

• Keep garbage in a locked shed or inside until collected, or use a bear resistant container.
• Secure any compost piles.
• Secure pet food in bear-resistant containers or inside locked sheds.
• Clean up porches/decks. Clean grills including drip pans, remove any potential food sources, and remember a screened in porch is not a “secure” storage area from a bear’s point of view.
• Never leave food, trash, or pet food inside your vehicle.
• Keep dogs on a leash at all times.

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