CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It's that time of year again, bears are out of hibernation and looking for food. Last year, bears were seen several times throughout the area. In the last 2 days, there have been sightings in west and north Charlotte.
A black bear was spotted dangerously close to family homes in North Charlotte Monday morning. He was eating from a big bag of trash left on the side of the road when one man spotted him.
"I'm freaking out, like this is a bear and we're right near downtown,” Jamie Bullard said.
He couldn't believe his eyes as he rounded the curve on Slater Road just before 6:30 a.m. Monday. He stumbled upon a black bear.
"On all fours, its back was probably about 36 inches high, I'd say he was a full grown black bear,” Bullard said.
He could barely get his hands working well enough to snap more than one picture.
"I’m in the mountains camping hiking all the time, I’ve never seen a bear,” he said.
In the past few years, bears have been spotted in Mount Holly, Hickory, and Charlotte.
Wildlife experts say this time of year, they’re looking for food. That’s why the most important thing to do is not feed them, intentionally or unintentionally. Be aware of what’s out in the yard because they’ll try to rummage through trash and the grill -- and they love bird feeders.
The Wildlife Commission says black bears are generally not aggressive and are afraid of humans. The best thing to do is to keep your distance and leave them alone.
If you do get too close for comfort, the Wildlife Commission says to make loud noises and clap your hands, it should scare the bear off.