Black bear takes rest in a tree on busy Stafford thoroughfare

Black bears have been out and about across Northern Virginia the past few weeks.

On Saturday, a bear was spotted up a tree along busy Garrisonville Road in Stafford County. Sheriff’s deputies kept an eye on him for everyone’s safety, and took the opportunity to put some beary funny puns on Facebook.

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office facebook post

Wildlife experts say it’s the time of year when Virginia’s black bears are foraging for food and young bears search for new territory, like the young bear in Garrisonville.

Prince William County’s Animal Control Bureau offers the following tips and suggestions for dealing with hungry bears:

• Remove food sources that might attract bears. This includes bird feeders, garbage, pet food, outdoor grills, livestock food, compost, fruit trees and beehives.
• Do not store trash – or anything that smells like food – in vehicles, on porches, or decks. Keep your full or empty trash containers secured in a garage, shed or basement. If you do not have a trash collection service, take your garbage to the Landfill frequently (twice a week or more). If you do have a trash collection service, put your garbage out the morning of the pickup rather than the night before.
• Take down your bird feeders temporarily until the bear moves on.
• Consider installing electric fencing, an inexpensive and extremely efficient proven deterrent to bears, around dumpsters, gardens, beehives or other potential food sources.
• Bears generally avoid humans but, in their search for food, they do wander into suburban areas. It is best to keep a respectful distance if you see a bear. Bring your pets inside and leave the immediate area.