WOOSTER, Ohio (WOIO) – Wooster Police say a black bear was spotted on a security camera this week.
In a social media post, Wooster Police Department (WPD) reminded the public that black bears are a protected species and contacted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) after the sighting.
Police said the black bear is probably a male looking for a female during during the typical mating season.
“While this is exciting news, please take precautions to stay safe and bear-proof your backyard if you see one in your area,” the post said.
The ODNR gives the following tips to keep your backyards safe from black bears:
- Keep your trash in a garage or secured container
- Remove bird feeders temporarily
- Keep pet food inside
- Clean grease from outdoor grills
WPD said they do not plan on trying to catch the bear and the ODNR said the bear would most likely move out of the area on its own.
If you have an issue with a black bear, WPD said you should call 911 or 330-287-5702. You should also report the sighting to the ODNR.
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