Bear sightings reported in Wake Forest area

Residents near Wake Forest have been reporting bear sightings, according to police.

Posted 3:58 p.m. Jun 24, 2018 — Updated 6:14 p.m. Jul 12, 2018

Jessica Patrick

, WRAL.com editor

RALEIGH, N.C. — Residents near Wake Forest have been reporting bear sightings, according to police.

According to a Facebook post from the Franklinton Police Department, a citizen spotted a bear near Hawkins Street.

"If you see a bear, just let the animal run," the post read.

A Wake Forest resident also posted a photo of a bear running in the area of Purnell Road and Cedar Falls Drive.

"I stop and got a photo and as I was doing so a UPS man pulls up to the house right where the bear was going," the woman's post read. "I immediately started honking and waving to get his attention so he wouldn't’ get out of his truck. Luckily the home owner was at home and we were able to tell them it went in their backyard."

According to the National Park Service, if you see a bear in a residential area, keep your distance to at least 50 yards (about the distance four shuttle buses).

The NPS says that moving too close to bears helps them become used to being around people. Bears that become comfortable around people lose their natural fear of humans and can become too aggressive.

Suggest A Correction