TYSONS, Va. — People living in Tysons, Virginia are being warned of bear activity in the area of Boyd Point Way and nearby neighborhoods to the west of Tysons.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department Wildlife Management Specialist and Animal Protection Police, the young black bear has been spotted around Fairfax County for about two months. The bear has been seen in the Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax, Reston and McLean areas.
Most recently the bear was spotted on Halloween in the Vienna area on the western side of Route 7. One sighting was on Higdon Drive and the other was off Hambletonian Place, FCPD says.
"While searching for food, this young bear has traveled into residential areas around homes, including yards, porches, and decks," FCPD said in a release. "Most of the reports indicate that the bear is taking advantage of human-sourced food items, primarily bird feeders, unsecured trash, and beehives."
It is not abnormal behavior for a bear to wander into Tysons in search of easy food sources. FCPD Wildlife Management Specialists say most bears will quickly pass through an area without conflict if they cannot find food.
Neighbors are asked to temporarily remove any outdoor food sources to help keep the young bear wild and encourage it to safely move on.
Hailey Morinico, 17, said she heard the family dogs barking in her backyard and saw a massive mama bear on a wall with her cubs.