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UPDATE: On Monday, May 14, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., Virginia Beach emergency officials received a report of a bear sighting at 301 Bendix Road. That area is near Thalia Creek, next to the parking deck for South University.
Officials say someone saw a black bear emerge from a tree line. The witness says the bear ran back into the woods when it saw the person.
Police officers, helicopters, and Animal Control responded to the area.
Officers and the air unit searched the area, but were unable to find the bear. There were no further sightings of the bear.
The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries was contacted and police were told there was no threat to public safety in these circumstances. There was no reason to continue searching for the bear.
Note from Beach Police:
Citizens should call 9-1-1 if they see a bear and keep a respectful distance from the animal. Do not add to the potential danger by following, attempting to attract, feeding or antagonizing a bear. It is also important to remember that there have been no unprovoked attacks by a bear on a human in Virginia. Citizens throughout the City are asked to ensure they reduce or eliminate any food sources bear or other wildlife may find attractive on their property. Trash cans, pet food and bird food can all act as attractants to bear in the area.
