Black bear sightings reported in the area of East Prong Slocum Creek in Havelock

Symone Graham, Sun Journal
·1 min read
The Havelock Police Department warns residents of a possible black bear in the area of East Prong Slocum Creek.
The Havelock Police Department warns residents of a possible black bear in the area of East Prong Slocum Creek.

A black bear may be wandering in the Havelock area, according to the Havelock Police Department.

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The department warned residents Wednesday of a possible black bear in the area of East Prong Slocum Creek near Gray Fox Road, Hollywood Boulevard, Oakwood Drive and other surrounding streets, according to a news release.

Havelock police also received a report of a bear sighting near Tucker Creek Middle School, the release states.

Officials say the rise in bear sightings could be due to construction on the Havelock Bypass.

More: Havelock to beat the 'bypass curse' with needed development, housing areas

The Havelock Police Department offered the following tips:

• Never feed or approach a bear. Feeding bears will only draw them closer to your home and they may frequent that location more looking for food.

• Secure garbage and recycling cans. Food odors will attract them to your cans.

• Remove bird feeders when bears are active. Birdseed and other grains have high calorie content making them attractive to bears.

• Never leave pet food outside. Store pet food in locked or sealed containers inside your home, not outside or in an open garage area.

• Clean and store grills. Cleaning them after each use, to include the drip trays helps reduce food odors that may attract wildlife in general.

• Alert neighbors to any bear activity. If you see bears or evidence of bears, let the neighborhood know about it.

• Do not bait or attempt to shoot any wildlife.

According to the release, North Carolina Wildlife, which has jurisdiction over bears in the state, is aware of the situation. To contact N.C. Wildlife call 1-800-662-7137.

Reporter Symone Graham covers local public safety for the Sun Journal. Have a story tip or idea? Send it her way at sgraham@gannett.com. 

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Havelock police warn residents of a possible black bear in the area