Black Bear Spotted in Dumfries: Report ICYMI

DUMFRIES, VA — A black bear was spotted the past couple of days in the area of Huntsman Drive and the Foxridge subdivision off Dumfries Road, according to a report by INSIDENOVA. At one point, he was seen raiding a bird feeder.

"Bears are emerging from their winter dens hungry and on the move in search of food," Lt. Pauline Shatswell of the Prince William County Police said in a release in March. "This primal need can cause them to conflict with homeowners and residents using parks and other unimproved areas."

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The Department’s Animal Control Bureau offers the following tips and suggestions for dealing with bears:

• 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.

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