Bears Spotted In Prince William County; Police Have Tips

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA—If it's late spring or early summer, which is exactly where we hover this time of year, there's one big thing that should be on your radar. We're talking bears.

This happens to be when bears, after a long winter, are most prevalent around the edges of woods and into the fringes of neighborhoods. According to Prince William County Police, several sightings already have been registered. Just this week, reports InsideNova, a bear was spotted in Dale City.

And to the immediate north of us, Maryland officials say at least nine bears have been hit and killed on state roads since June 1. As such, the Prince William County Police Animal Control Bureau has some tips:

• Remove food sources that might attract hungry bears. This includes bird feeders,
garbage, pet food, outdoor grills, livestock food, compost, fruit trees and beehives.
Virginia’s bears are primarily active and very hungry from late March through May, so
temporarily removing these items, or scrupulously cleaning them if you cannot remove
them, should help.

• Do not store trash – or anything that smells like food – in vehicles, on porches, or decks.
Keep your full or empty trash containers secured in a garage, shed or basement. If you
do not have a trash collection service, take your garbage to the Landfill frequently (twice
a week or more). If you do have a trash collection service, put your garbage out the
morning of the pickup rather than the night before.

• Take down your bird feeders temporarily until the bear moves on.

• Consider installing electric fencing, an inexpensive and extremely efficient, proven
deterrent to bears, around dumpsters, gardens, beehives or other potential food
sources.

Bears generally avoid humans but, in their search for food, they may wander into suburban
areas. What should you do if you see a bear? Keep a respectful distance. If a bear is up a tree on
or near your property, give it space. Bring your pets inside and leave the immediate area.

If you see a bear cub in the area, do NOT try to remove it from the area or “rescue it.” Female
bears – who may give birth while hibernating in the winter den – will wander to find food,
usually with her cubs in tow. If she feels nervous, she will typically send her cubs up a tree and
leave the area.

Always remember that a bear is a wild animal, and that it is detrimental to the bear – as well as
illegal in Virginia – to feed a bear under ANY circumstances. Even the inadvertent feeding of
nuisance bears is illegal.

If you experience a bear problem after taking appropriate preventative steps, please notify the
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries regional office. Visit their website at
www.dgif.virginia.gov for more information.

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