HYATTSVILLE, Md. — A black bear was spotted in Hyattsville Thursday morning, leading officials to remind the public on how to handle bear sightings in Prince George's County.
According to a tweet from the City of Hyattsville, the bear was seen in the 4300 block of Olglethorpe Street Thursday morning.
The City of College Park added that the bear was also spotted in University Park.
"If you encounter a bear, please move away slowly and when it’s safe to do so call 911," The City of College Park said in a tweet.
For more information on bear sightings, call the Department of Natural Resources Police at (410)260-8888.
In 2022, a bear was spotted wandering in Arlington, leading the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) to share several tips on how to keep bears from wandering too close to your home:
- Keep garbage in a locked shed or inside until collected or use a bear-resistant container
- Secure any compost piles
- Take down bird feeders
- Secure pet food in bear-resistant containers or inside locked sheds
- Clean up porches/decks
- Never leave food, trash or pet food inside your vehicle
- Keep dogs on a leash at all times
In March, The National Park Service made headlines when the agency shared some of it own bear safety advice, saying that you should refrain from pushing down someone slower "even if you feel the friendship has run its course."
How to handle a bear encounter
There are some general tips to follow if you encounter a bear when you're out in the wild. If you do so, here's what the agency recommends:
- Talk calmly to the bear, stand your ground, and slowly wave your arms to identify yourself that you are a human
- Remain calm and talk to the bear in "low tones" that are non-threatening. A scream or sudden movements may trigger an attack.
- If you have small children with you, pick them up immediately.
- Hike and travel in groups as bears often become aware of groups of people and can get intimidated
- Carry EPA-approved pepper spray that can be used to stop aggressive bears
The Park Service also offers some suggestions of what not to do:
- Do not give the bear food
- Do not drop your bag or pack
- Don't turn your back on the bear or run, so you can keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping
- Don't climb a tree because grizzlies and black bears can climb too
- Never put yourself between a mother bear and her curb or try to approach them because the mother will likely attack you if she considers you a threat
A black bear gave a West Virginia principal quite the wake-up call when it emerged — growling and roaring — from a dumpster outside an elementary school.