The Shadow
SEE A BEAR? KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. SECURE FOOD SOURCES. LET IT MOVE ALONG.
What Should You Do If a Bear Appears on Your Property?
If you see a bear near your home or on your property, remain calm and follow these safety precautions:
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Stay calm and keep your distance. Bring children and pets indoors.
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Give the bear an escape route. Never corner, chase, approach, or attempt to feed a bear.
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Remove food sources. Secure garbage, pet food, birdseed, outdoor grills, and fallen fruit that could attract bears.
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Allow the bear to leave. If the bear is simply passing through and poses no immediate threat, leave it alone.
Who Should You Contact?
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)
Contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources if bears repeatedly visit your property, cause damage, become accustomed to people, or create other wildlife-related concerns.
For information and guidance, visit dwr.virginia.gov.
Emergency Situations — Call 911
If a bear is attacking someone or poses an immediate and serious threat to human safety, call 911.
For routine bear sightings that do not present an immediate danger, contact the appropriate wildlife authorities rather than emergency services.
What Can Local Law Enforcement and Government Officials Do?
Depending on the circumstances and their legal authority, local law enforcement and government officials may assist with public safety concerns involving bears.
Their responsibilities may include:
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Keeping residents away from unsafe areas.
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Managing traffic or crowds when necessary.
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Enforcing applicable local laws and ordinances.
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Coordinating with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Important: Local authorities generally do not have the authority to capture, relocate, or kill a bear simply because it has been spotted in a neighborhood.
A healthy bear passing through a residential area does not automatically require removal.
Wildlife management decisions depend on the circumstances, applicable laws, local policies, and guidance from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Remember: Bears Are Wild Animals, Not Pets
Feeding bears, whether intentionally or unintentionally, can create dangerous situations.
When bears find food around homes, they may begin associating people and residential areas with easy meals. This increases the risk of future encounters and conflicts.
Residents can help prevent problems by keeping garbage secured, removing outdoor food sources, and never feeding bears.
Need Additional Information?
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has previously listed its Wildlife Conflict Helpline as 1-855-571-9003. Residents should verify the current number and guidance with DWR before calling.
