8 hours ago
Black Bear spotted around Huntsville, officials provide tips on what to do if you spot one
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — This week, Huntsville residents have reported seeing a black bear roaming around the area.
One sighting was reported near the Marina Park neighborhood in Huntsville. Another location where a black bear was seen was at Redstone Arsenal.
News 19 reached out to Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division to get more information surrounding public interaction with black bears.
Bears can be seen anywhere in Alabama – especially this time of year. It is normal and expected to have bear sightings. Black bears are There is no reason to capture the bears, they are a natural part of Alabama's wildlife landscape. There have not been any reports of public safety concerns. A bear that is behaving normally is not a threat to public safety.
Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division
However, the division did inform News 19 of some things landowners can do to prevent conflicts with black bears and ensure that they don't linger around.
According to the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, black bears have some sort of routine in the month of June:
Cubs will leave their mom and search for food
Cubs will shelter in a place of their own
Adult males travel to look for mates
Nursing moms travel farther away from their home base to find food
Cubs keep growing and developing
Officials say never feed or approach a bear and make sure to secure outside items like food or garbage that might attract a bear.
To see a list of tips on how to handle black bear sightings, click here.
The Huntsville Police Department told News 19 that their department has also received calls for the reported bear sightings. However authorities are re-directing all questions to the Alabama Department of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
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