A black bear was spotted running through a field in the eastern part of Greene County Tuesday, June 30, according to the Greene County Sheriff’s office.

The black bear was spotted near Skydive Greene County on Monroe Siding Road: east of Xenia and south of U.S. 35.

“We get people from all walks of life, but it was the first time a bear came to skydive,” said Skydive Greene County owner Kelly West.

West said her aunt Rita Baxter was the first to spot the bear on a morning walk Tuesday. Video provided by West and Baxter shows the bear running through a field in the early morning hours, toward the direction of Baxter’s home, prompting her to hitch a ride from a neighbor.

“My German Shepherd was losing her mind in the early morning…which is out of character for her,” West said, adding she’d love to see the bear for herself – from a safe distance.

Last week, residents of Anderson Twp. in Hamilton County also reported seeing a black bear in the area, according to our TV partner WCPO.

The Greene County Sheriff’s Office has asked the public to leave the bear be.

“Deliberate attacks on people are very rare,” the sheriff’s office said. “If you see it — leave it alone. Do not approach.”

Bears can be defensive when surprised or while protecting cubs and their food, a social media post from the sheriff’s office read.

“Their behavior is meant to warn you to stay away (take the warning and stay away),” the sheriff’s office said. “It seems scary, but it’s a sign of stress, not an impending attack.”

If you see a bear, the sheriff’s office said to do the following:

The sheriff’s office also said to never approach or feed wildlife.

People can report sightings to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources online or by contacting their local county wildlife officer.