Bear Spotted In Herndon (Photos)

HERNDON, VA -- A Patch reader spotted a bear roaming in the woods near a major Herndon road recently.

Gina Cobb shared photos Monday of a black bear and said they were taken near Route 606, which runs along the north end of Herndon.

Spring and summer is prime time for bear sightings, and while bears are not common in our area, multiple bear sightings happen each year as the bears wander into residential areas in search of food.

Black bears and their cubs will emerge from hibernation between March and May, so it's likely this is a hungry bear searching for food after a long winter's nap.

Bears will avoid humans, but because they are drawn into populated areas by the smell of food, that can lead to some scary encounters. And bears certainly are dangerous, so it's wise to take some steps to "bear-proof" your home.

Here are eight ways to make your property unattractive to bears, from Fairfax County:

• Secure your garbage in bear-resistant trash cans or store it in a secure building.
• If you have trash collection service, put your trash out the morning of the pickup, not the night before.
• Do not store household trash, or anything that smells like food, in vehicles, on porches or decks.
• Remove bird feeders if a bear is in the area and keep them down for 3-4 weeks. Birdfeeders are a common lure for bears in Fairfax County.
• Keep your grill clean. Do not dump drippings in your yard.
• Don’t put meat scraps in your compost pile.
• Don’t leave pet food outdoors.
• Make sure your neighbors are following the same recommendations.

If you see a bear, Fairfax County officials advise you keep the following tips in mind:

• Respect the bear’s space. If you see a bear, enjoy watching from a distance.
• Never run from a bear. Running could prompt the bear to chase. If in a group, stay together and make sure that any dogs stay leashed.
• 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 the bear hasn’t seen you, calmly leave the area, while making a bit of noise so the bear will not be surprised by you.
• If the bear has seen you, back away slowly while facing the bear.
• If a bear huffs or “woofs,” clacks its teeth, growls or slaps the ground, it is warning you that you are too close.
• Never feed a bear under any circumstances. In Virginia, it is illegal to feed bears on both public and private lands.