A bear filmed walking on a property in Icard

One day about 10 years ago, he saw a bear running through the woods after being hit by a car.

Early Monday morning, a surveillance camera he installed on his property to watch for trespassers spotted a black bear making its way through the wooded area around 5 a.m.

In a May 20 news release, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said there is typically an increase in reports of bear sightings this time of year.

“Bears come out of their winter dens in the spring and become more active,” said Colleen Olfenbuttel, NCWRC mammal and bear studies supervisor and bear expert. “Mother bears have emerged from their dens with their cubs, one-year-old cubs are leaving their family group and wandering in search of a new home, and with breeding season fast approaching, male bears are beginning to to travel a lot in search of friends. Additionally, bears are hungry after hibernation, so they all wander around looking for food.

In spring, natural food sources are more limited. Early spring food sources may include broadleaf plants and insects, but bears may frequent any abundant food source they find, including a trash can or bird feeder.

As North Carolina’s residential footprint has expanded, so has the bear population, making sightings like Monday’s more common.

“It is imperative that the public never feed a bear, intentionally or inadvertently, as this will accustom it to humans and alter its natural behavior,” Olfenbuttel said in the release.

Ashley Hobbs, NCWRC BearWise coordinator, said in the press release that while black bears are not inherently dangerous to humans, the public should follow these tips to reduce the risk of conflicts:

Never feed or approach bears.

Secure food, trash and recycling.

Remove bird feeders when bears are active.

Never leave pet food outside.

Clean and store grills and smokers.

Alert neighbors to tolerate any activity.

If you see a cub alone, be aware that solitary cubs are rarely orphaned or abandoned. The NCWRC says you should give the mother plenty of time to reconnect with her pup and never handle, attempt to catch, remove or feed the pup.

“People who attempt to capture or handle a cub risk not only its safety, but also their own if the mother bear is nearby, as she might try to defend her cubs,” Olfenbuttel said. “Even if you don’t see the mother bear, she could be nearby and the cubs are waiting for her to return. Trying to capture a cub can result in it becoming orphaned, injured, or both. »

Instead of catching or handling the bear, call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401. If you are after hours or on the weekend, call a district wildlife biologist to report it. Find a list of biologists at https://bit.ly/3V35fAJ.