Video: Bear Sighted in McLean Near The Reserve Neighborhood

Bear sightings throughout suburban Virginia have become a common occurrence during the summer months, with numerous bear sightings reported throughout the area this season alone.

Residents can add another bear sighting to that list after a Patch reader reported a sighting in McLean “near Swinks Mill between Old Dominion and Georgetown Pike” on Tuesday afternoon.

Related: Bear Sightings Reported Wednesday in McLean (earlier this summer)

The following video was taken two blocks from the guard house at The Reserve, an exclusive housing development in the neighborhood.

The Home Owners’ Association at The Reserve reportedly notified residents that a bear had been spotted near the neighborhood earlier this week, and less than 24 hours later the bear was caught on video.

Related: Police — Bears in the Region, Don’t Panic

The Patch reader sharing this information said this is the fourth time they have spotted bear droppings in McLean this summer, all on the Langley High School side of town.

Fairfax County Police explained it is not uncommon to spot bears as they search for food, and most bears aim to avoid humans when possible.

If you spot a bear and feel threatened, contact the Virginia Department Of Game and Inland Fisheries and/or Fairfax Animal Control.