Virginia Bear Sighting Brings Warnings

CLIFTON, Va. - Frequent bear sightings are prompting officials in Virginia to issue warnings.

In Clifton, Virginia on Monday, two schools warned students to stay indoors and be on the lookout on their way home after several people reported seeing a bear. It was spotted near Little Rocky Run in Fairfax County.

There are many wild animals in Clifton, but most are yard ornaments-- like pigs, ducks, rabbits and even lions. On Monday morning, Jim Areklett saw the real, wild thing lurking in the woods: a black bear.

"It looked like it was looking at the ground sniffing around, and then it looked up," said Areklett. "It was my height. It was standing up-- it was furry, really adorable and cute. A nice rich black fur coat. It just looked up at me with black eyes and took off. I was in disbelief."

Sightings are on the increase in Virginia. Open trash containers, composite piles, and birdfeeders can attract bears to residential neighborhoods.

"We were a little scared," said Molly Prosser after hearing about the sighting. "I have six kids and a dog. We're out walking and not quite sure what the bear's intentions are."

"There is concern, because we don't always see bears near Little Rocky Run," said Mary Bowden, Prosser's neighbor.
 

LINK: LIVING WITH BLACK BEARS IN VIRGINIA

The neighborhood was roaring with excitement, and parents obviously concerned. At Union Mill Elementary-- where ironically the mascot is a bear-- there was a warning. At Centerville High School, students say there was no outdoor physical education.

Kaitlin Easterday is a student at Union Mill Elementary.

"They just said don't walk through woods or deep paths because you might come across the bear," said Kaitlin.

Megan Easterday goes to Centreville High School. She said,

"The teacher read us an email and told us there were four warnings, sightings and told us we should be careful when we walk out," said Megan.

Besides dogs in the Clifton neighborhood, there are deer, ducks, and groundhogs. Now there is a bear. It was a brief encounter, and neighbors hope it was the young black bears last visit here.

"It looked up at me," said Areklett. "We made eye contact. It seemed like it lasted for an eternity and then it was off and gone."

This was the first bear sighting in Fairfax County this year, but it likely will not be the last. Statistics from the Virginia Department of Game and Fisheries say the black bear population is healthy and growing over 7 percent a year.

Spring and summer months are ripe for bear sightings. After bears come out of hibernation, they search for food. The smell of food around homes often attracts them to residential areas.

If addressed quickly, wildlife issues caused by food attractants in yards can be resolved almost immediately. Take the following precautions to keep bears, and other wildlife, away from your home:

* Do not store household trash on porches, decks or in vehicles. Keep it secured in a garage, shed or basement if possible.
* If a bear is sighted in your neighborhood, remove bird feeders.
* Take garbage to the curb on the morning of pickup, rather than the night before.
* Consider installing electric fencing around gardens, dumpsters and other potential wildlife food sources. Electric fencing is an inexpensive and efficient proven deterrent against bears.