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by DANIELLE DINDAK
The Fort Hill community has an unexpected new member, and it’s causing quite a buzz on social media. (Submitted photo)
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — The Fort Hill community has an unexpected new member, and it’s causing quite a buzz on social media.
The bear has been spotted roaming around the community and it is quickly gaining a following on Facebook.
Residents in the area said they’re used to seeing birds, rabbits and deer, but the bear sighting was a surprise.
"I looked over and it was a big brown dog, but it wasn't a dog,” Cristie Nutter said. “It ran and jumped the fence and climbed the tree, then turned around and looked at me and it was a bear.”
Deemed the mascot of Fort Hill, the bear is slowly becoming a local celebrity as neighbors wait for their turn to get a glimpse.
"I couldn't believe it. It was incredible,” Shawn Long said. “I was just like there it is.”
One resident saw the bear while on a walk with his dog.
“It was about as big as our dog, we have a golden retriever,” Thomas Rennie said. “She barked at it, but we weren’t too nervous, we just turned around and went back up the hill.”
While the bear might be cute, it’s still very dangerous. The state’s Division of Natural Resources is keeping an eye on the situation.
"It looks to be a young bear and I confirmed that with our staff that works in that area,” Black Bear Project Leader Colin Carpenter said. “They are addressing it like we normally do by explaining what needs to be done to keep the bear from coming into the neighborhood.”
Carpenter said limiting possible food sources like garbage, pet food and bird feeders could help keep the bear at bay.
Being close to humans is dangerous for a bear, too. One was hit by a car Thursday near Corridor G and died.
"I don’t want to see the wildlife killed,” Long said. “Maybe tranquilize and take it back to its natural habitat.”
For more bear safety tips, click here.
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