Video: Black bear seen roaming northeast Charlotte neighborhood

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WJZY) — A black bear was caught on video eating from a bird feeder in Charlotte’s Highland Creek neighborhood, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

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The agency said its Wildlife Helpline got a call about the sighting around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20. Officials said bear activity typically increases in the spring and early summer, and sightings in the Piedmont become more common around Memorial Day weekend.

NCWRC Black Bear Biologist Jenna Malzahn said transient bears have been seen in every county in North Carolina, including larger cities like Charlotte.

“Historically, black bears were abundant throughout the state, including the Piedmont region,” Malzahn said in a released statement. “The Piedmont region currently supports a very low density of bears, with most being transient. But thanks to conservation efforts, the expansion of the bear range means that dispersing bears may be spotted in new areas.”

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District Biologist Rupert Medford said a bear moving through a populated area is “not an emergency” and asked residents to leave the animal alone and avoid approaching it.

“The best thing you can do is leave it alone, do not approach the bear, and let it travel on through,” Medford said.

Wildlife officials are also reminding residents to secure trash, keep pet food indoors, and clean outdoor grills to avoid attracting any bears on their property.

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