'Take caution:' Black bear sighted in Cary neighborhood
At least one bear sighting has been reported in a Cary neighborhood.
Posted — Updated
An email was sent from Omega Management to residents of Lake Point Village in Kildaire Farms, warning that "there have been multiple black bear sightings near the Kildaire Farms Racquet Club" and the lake.
"Please take extra caution when walking on the trails, Greenways and around the lake areas," the email says.
Kildaire Farms residents often walk with children and pets along the wooded Greenway trails, which cut through to nearby neighborhoods and include relatively thick woods. Many also regularly walk along the lakeside or follow sidewalks down Two Creeks Road to the racquet club.
The email encourages people to be aware of their surroundings and to make sure everyone in their home is aware of the potential to run into a wild bear in the area.
While the email says there have been multiple bear sightings, Cary police say they've only received one phone call about a bear sighting, which was off Pebble Creek Drive.
The call came in Monday around 8:30 a.m.
"An officer was not dispatched as the animal wasn't presenting a danger at the time. The caller was advised to stay away from it and referred to NC Wildlife," said a representative for Cary police.
Pebble Creek Drive circles close to the Kildaire Farms Lake, very close to the Greenway and near the intersection with Cary Parkway and Two Creeks Road.
Anyone who sees a bear is advised to stay away and call animal control for guidance at (919) 319-4517.
Tips to avoid having bears attracted to your home
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission officials offer these tips to bear-proof around your home:
- Never feed or approach bears: Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs!
- Secure food, garbage and recycling: Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids, or garbage.
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active: Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
- Never leave pet food outdoors: Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it.
- Clean and store grills: Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
- Alert neighbors to bear activity: See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share information on how to avoid bear conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it’s up to us to adapt to living near bears.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
