https://patch.com/virginia/reston/bears-reston-theyre-coming-out-their-dens-police-warn

RESTON, VA — Fairfax County Police are warning residents of Reston and the rest of the county to be on the lookout for bears, as spring is the time of year when black bears and cubs start to emerge from their winter dens. And we've had bear sightings in the area numerous times in recent years.

Black bears and their cubs typically emerge from their dens in mid March to early May, so it is prime time for bear activity in Virginia. While bears typically avoid humans, they may wander into suburban areas to dig through garbage cans, gobble up pet food, or pick through shrubs that produce berries, according to a report from the Fairfax County Police Department.

A black bear was caught on video last June scampering through Herndon's Fox Mill Estates. Bears are often sighted in nearby Great Falls, and it's not uncommon to see them wander into suburban areas like Reston and Herndon.

The best thing to do if you see a bear is to remove the food source as soon as it is safe to do so, which usually resolves the problem, sending the bear looking for food elsewhere.

Get free real-time news alerts from the Reston Patch.

Enter email address
SUBSCRIBE
Be very wary of female bears with cubs, who should never be approached. A female bear will usually send her cubs up a tree and leave the area when sensing danger, returning when it is safe. But if you hear her "woof," slap the ground, or clack her teeth together, you're getting a warning you should heed.

The Fairfax County Wildlife Management Specialist and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has the following tips for residents:

Keep a respectful distance. In most cases, the bear will move on quickly.
If a bear is up a tree on or near your property, give it space. Do not approach. Bring your pets inside to provide the bear a clear path to leave your property.
If you see a very small cub, do not try to remove it from the area or “save it.”
Secure your garbage in bear-resistant trash cans or store it in a secure building.
If you have a 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.
Keep your grill clean.
Don’t put meat scraps in your compost pile.
Don’t leave pet food outdoors.
Remove bird feeders if a bear is in the area.
Encourage your neighbors to take similar precautions.
Remember, it is illegal to feed bears. If you see a bear, call the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855-571-9003.

I walked up on a bear last night while taking my dog for a walk. Big fucker, digging in some trash. Shined my flashlight on him and he left, but slowly. Dog was kinda freaked out.

I did same thing but it was a liberal, very scary

Fuck bears. Ain't afraid of no bear. I'll fuck a bear up.

-
Attachments:

eesh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> -


Exactly...be more afraid of these shirtless liberals, especially drinkin and in darkness...then a bear anyday

Someone should warn the bears about the third world rapists on the bike paths.

BEH Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Someone should warn the bears about the third
> world rapists on the bike paths.




Did you watch The Revenant? Bear rape happens.

Someone should warn the bears about Gerry. When he is drunk he might mistake them for goats and try to rape them.