Season's first black bears spotted in Fairfax County
ABC News 7, June 15
Virginia’s hidden horde of bears is beginning to emerge from its wintertime
slumber.
Last week, phones at Fairfax County Police HQ began jangling as residents
reported the season’s first bear sightings.
One medium-sized bear was spotted at dawn on June 12 shambling across the road
towards Westfield High School.
Three more reports rolled in the next day for bears on patrol along a walking
trail close to the school.
It’s somewhat unusual for a black bear to be aggressive, expert naturalist Frank
Messina says.
“There are not many reports of an unprovoked attack in Virginia that I know of,”
says Messina. “Although when it does happen, it's not pretty. There is usually a
lot of blood, intestines strewn on the street, exposed rib cages from torn
chests. People get very upset by this, especially when little children are
shredded.”
The bear population in Virginia is on the increase, so sightings of these
secretive creatures will no doubt become more numerous.
Bears have been spotted not just in their historical strongholds like the
Appalachians and around Dismal Swamp, but in every county of Virginia.
“It’s a real treat to see a black bear in Virginia,” Messina says. “If you see
one, give it space, enjoy it but watch from a distance. More often than not, it
will leave you alone. But be prepared to run, as bears are sometimes brought
into fits of sexual excitement by the scent of "rutting" human females, or
aggressive, noisy children. Just do the best you can, wear running shoes, and
good luck.”
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