Bears In Fairfax County: What You Need To Know

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Black bears can show up anywhere in Northern Virginia, even in places like Reston and Herndon. Just last year, a bear was spotted in the Stuart Ridge community.

Now is prime time for the bears, as they emerge from their winter dens between March and May. While bears try to avoid humans, they may be drawn into the vicinity of people due to the smell of food from nearby homes, or by bird feeders, garbage, and outdoor pet food, according to a statement from the Fairfax County Police Department.

Police recommend eight ways to make your property unattractive to bears:

• Secure your garbage in bear-resistant trash cans or store it in a secure building.
• If you have trash collection service, put your trash out the morning of the pickup, not the night before.
• Do not store household trash, or anything that smells like food, in vehicles, on porches or decks.
• Remove bird feeders if a bear is in the area and keep them down for 3-4 weeks. Birdfeeders are a common lure for bears in Fairfax County.
• Keep your grill clean. Do not dump drippings in your yard.
• Don’t put meat scraps in your compost pile.
• Don’t leave pet food outdoors.
• Make sure your neighbors are following the same recommendations.

Fairfax County has the following tips if you do encounter a bear:

• Respect the bear’s space. If you see a bear, enjoy watching from a distance.
• Never run from a bear. Running could prompt the bear to chase. If in a group, stay together and make sure that any dogs stay leashed.
• If a bear is up a tree on or near your property, give it space. Do not approach, and bring your pets inside to provide the bear a clear path to leave your property.
• If the bear hasn’t seen you, calmly leave the area, while making a bit of noise so the bear will not be surprised by you.
• If the bear has seen you, back away slowly while facing the bear.
• If a bear huffs or “woofs,” clacks its teeth, growls or slaps the ground, it is warning you that you are too close.
• Never feed a bear under any circumstances. In Virginia, it is illegal to feed bears on both public and private lands.

If you see a bear, report it to 855-571-9003.

Image via National Park Service