Police: Watch out for bears on the move

WASHINGTON —  Police are warning residents after three reported bear sightings in Fairfax County, Virginia since March 20.

Police say bears were responsible for taking out a bird feeder and a plastic cabinet on a patio — nabbing a bag of birdseed to go before heading into a wooded area along Interstate 66.

There have been three separate sightings: Two small black bears were seen March 23 crossing Oakton Road, near Waples Mill Meadow, Difficult Run Stream Valley Park and Tattrsall Park; a black bear and a cub  also were spotted March 24 in the 2700 block of Bowling Green Drive in Vienna; there was an additional bear-and-cub sighting in the Vienna area on March 20, police say.

Residents are advised not to panic or feel alarmed if they see bears, which typically avoid humans. Police say the bears are usually just looking for food and will move along if they don’t find anything.

What to do if you see a bear

If you see a bear the Fairfax County Wildlife Management Specialist and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries say to:

• Keep a respectful distance. In most cases, the bear will move on quickly.
• If a bear is up a tree on or near your property, give it space. Do not approach, and bring your pets inside to provide the bear a clear path to leave your property.
• If you see a very small cub, do not try to remove it from the area or “save it.”
• The best way to encourage the bear not to return is to remove food sources.
• Do not store household trash, or anything that smells like food, in vehicles, on porches or decks.
• Keep your full or empty trash containers secured in a garage, shed or basement.
• Take your garbage to the dump frequently.
• If you have a trash collection service, put your trash out the morning of the pickup, not the night before.
• Take down your bird feeder for three to four weeks after the bear visits.
• Encourage your neighbors to take similar precautions.

Bear sightings should be reported to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries through the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855-571-9003.