A black bear was spotted in Cary. Why there’s no need to be alarmed at this time

A bear has been spotted in Cary near the Kildaire Farms Racquet Club, but animal control officials are assuring residents not to worry.

Earlier this week, the Kildaire Farms Board sent an email to residents and members stating that there had been “multiple bear sightings” near the club and Kildaire Farms II lake.

“Please take extra caution when walking on the trails, greenways and around the lake areas,” the email said.

Kildaire Farms, located off SW Cary Parkway, could not be reached for additional comment on the sightings.

Cary Animal Control Supervisor Churck Haggist confirmed his office received a call about a bear sighting in Cary on Monday, but he was quick to note that sightings like this are not rare or major causes for concern.

“It’s not really abnormal,” Haggist said.

According Haggist, bear sightings in suburban and urban areas are not uncommon at this time of year. In the late fall and early winter months, juvenile male black bears are forced out of their homes by their mothers and begin a long trek to finding a new home. Many of these bears head toward the North Carolina coast in search of food.

Haggist said Cary, Durham, Raleigh and several other parts of the Triangle are in the bears’ direct pathway to the coast.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, black bears are extremely common across most of North America.

“Because of their versatile diet, black bears can live in a variety of habitat types,” their website says. “They can live just about anywhere they can find food, but largely occur where there are trees.”

Haggist said his department “wants people to be aware,” but also said this bear sighting is no cause for alarm.

“A bear’s not going to to want to hang around if there’s no reason to be around,” Haggist said.

What to do if you see a bear

To prevent bears wandering into neighborhoods, he recommends removing items that bears find attractive. He urges residents to not leave food outside, such as dog food. He also said residents should secure their garbage cans to prevent hungry bears from picking through them.

Haggist also cautions against stopping to take photos or videos of the bear, if one is spotted.

If you see or encounter a bear, in almost all cases, the North Carolina Wildlife Rescue Commission advises that the best option when encountering a bear is a hands-off approach, allowing the bear to leave the area on its own.

If local residents do see a bear, they are advised to call Cary Animal Control at 919-319-4517 or 911, depending on the severity of the situation.