Log in to WRAL.com with one click using your favorite social network:
OR
Log in using your WRAL.com account:



Wrong email/password combination.

Forgot password?

Register with WRAL.com using your favorite social network:
OR
Register for a WRAL.com account using our web form.

2:37 a.m. • 5-19-13

Weather Forecast for Raleigh

  • Today: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 78° F
  • Mon: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 78° F
  • Tue: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 83° F

Other Locations

> 7 Day Forecast

Doppler Image

Published: 2008-05-25 11:43:00
Updated: 2008-05-27 18:10:51

Black bears on move in Wake, Durham counties


bear
bear
print friendly

Authorities are searching for two bears after at least nine reported sightings Sunday morning in north Raleigh and eastern Durham County.

Those reports came in between 8 and 11 a.m., said R.E. Padgett, with the Durham County Sheriff's Office.

The Wake County Sheriff's Office received the initial calls about the bears, and Raleigh police also got calls about sightings.

Padgett said the most recent confirmed sighting of a bear by law enforcement was near the Brier Creek Memorial Gardens, 7600 ACC Boulevard. Residents reported seeing a bear running quickly behind the Wal-Mart store at 8231 Brier Creek Parkway.

Officials with the Wake sheriff's office said they found bear tracks along Mt. Herman and Norwood roads.

David DeVerter took several photos Sunday of a bear, that could weigh around 100 pounds, in his Harrington Grove neighborhood in north Raleigh.

The bear “just kinda looking around,” David DeVerter said.

It was the “first time I saw a bear that's not at the zoo,” Martin DeVerter said.

“It basically came down between our house and the next door neighbors (and) walked into the street, walked diagonally,” David DeVerter added.

Padgett said two bears were also spotted at Leesville, Olive Branch and Shady Grove roads in Durham County.

“Later we were able to determine by witnesses there was more than one (bear), and one was a baby cub,” Padgett added.

Law-enforcement officers said they believe the larger bear could weigh around 200 pounds.  Residents are urged to stay away from the animals.

“Let nature take its course, let them run through and go where they got to go and stay away from them,” Padgett said.

“I hope it gets to a nice, safe place,” David DeVerter said.

There have been no reports of damage from the bears.


23 Comments


WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

View Comments VIEW ALL 23 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments
.....they must be smarter than your av-ver-rage bear!

Maybe authorities can recruit the bears to hunt the king cobra from a week or so ago in Cumberland county.

i hope nothing happens to the bears and they're allowed to move on to wherever they're headed. they used to be more common in this area. they are very scared of people, and offensive attacks by bears against people are extremely rare. they have only been known to attack in defense if they or their cub are threatened. so, if one attacks ya, you probably deserve it.

why is it that everytime wildlife is around, someone is very close by wanting it killed for whatever reason?

I'm glad they're here, maybe they can get rid of some deer.

I'm surprised none of the typical posters on golo haven't asked if the bears are "illegals"! zanerx

We don't have to ask becasue we know black bear come from these neck of the woods so they are therefore legal. I hope that the bnears find some nice woods soon because once man gets his hand on them, they will be killed for the glory of it.........

View Comments VIEW ALL 23 COMMENTS