By admin 
A rare bear sighting has been confirmed in north Charlotte, just ahead of the three-day Memorial Day weekend.
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It was reported around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Highland Creek neighborhood, “when people were out walking,” witnesses told the state officials.
Video shows the bear was seen calmly walking across lawns in the neighborhood, which is near the intersection of Interstate 485 and Mallard Creek Road.
One witness recorded the bear standing on two feet, as it tried to reach a bird feeder in their yard, photos show.
Black bears are largely found in the mountain and coastal regions, but there is evidence of they pass through the Piedmont seasonally.
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In recent weeks, bears have been reported in Fayetteville, Hillsborough, Rockingham and Durham, and one was struck by a car in Rocky Mount on May 13, the state says. A dead one was found by a road in Reidsville, officials said.
“Wildlife biologists expect there will be more sightings and say it is normal behavior this time of year,” the commission reported in a May 14 news release.
“American black bears in the Piedmont Region fall into two camps: resident or transient. Resident bears live here year-round in established breeding populations defined by females with cubs. Transient bears pass through seasonally or as they search for their own territories, which is highest during spring and summer months.”
BearWise Safety
Bear safety for North Carolina homeowners begins with avoiding anything that alters the lifestyle of the predators, experts say.
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- 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,” the state says.
- Secure food, garbage and recycling. “Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage,” the state says.
- 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,” the state says.
- 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,” the state says.
- 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,” the state says.