Bear sighted multiple times in Durham

Durham, N.C. — Durham animal control officers, police officials and residents have reported seeing a bear wandering around neighborhoods and up to stores over the past two days.

A Durham County Animal Control spokeswoman said they first received reports Thursday of a bear around Berini Drive and Cole Mill Road.

A WRAL.com visitor reported seeing a bear at 3720 Shoccoree Drive, off Cole Mill Road, and another visitor reported seeing a large black bear near the back door of a house.

On Friday, a little bear bumped into the door at a UPS store, at 1821 Hillandale Road, the store's manager said.

Durham police on Friday said that the latest reported sighting was at Duke and Leon streets. A WRAL.com visitor reported seeing the bear at 906 Hudson Ave.

A string of bear sightings were reported last May and June in urbanized area, including Cumberland, Durham, Granville, Moore and Wake counties. A  200-pound bear was also struck and killed by a car on Interstate 40, outside Chapel Hill, June 26, 2008.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's Web site reports that the black-bear population has thrived, particularly along the coast. Biologists say the bears can roam far in search of food and empty territory.

Wildlife experts advise residents who see a bear to call their local law enforcement of the wildlife commission and not to panic or approach it.

View Bear sightings reported in a larger map