MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WDTV) – Black bears spotted around downtown Morgantown on Monday morning.
Multiple sightings of black bears were reported in downtown Morgantown, prompting a public alert from West Virginia University. The university issued a community notice after a black bear was seen near the downtown campus area.
One sighting involved a bear near the PRT Maintenance Facility on 8th Street, where a surveillance image captured the animal. Law enforcement responded quickly, but despite efforts, they were unable to locate the bear at the time.
Meanwhile, a separate report was filed with the Morgantown Police Department involving what appeared to be a different bear encounter. This time, it involved an adult female black bear and her two cubs near Beechurst Avenue and the Core Arboretum. Authorities have not confirmed whether the sightings involve the same animals.
Wildlife officials are urging residents to stay alert and exercise caution in case of bear encounters. While bear attacks are uncommon, safety should be a priority. Anyone who spots a bear is advised to contact 911 immediately.
The Division of Natural Resources also provided the following safety guidelines for avoiding potentially dangerous situations:
Stay calm and still if you spot a bear before it notices you. Quietly move away in the opposite direction without drawing attention.
Do not run if the bear is aware of you. Sudden movement may provoke a chase instinct. Instead, slowly back away and wait for the bear to move on.
Keep dogs leashed at all times. Dogs that bark or chase bears could put themselves and their owners in danger, as the bear may feel threatened and react defensively.
Avoid using earbuds when jogging or biking near wooded areas. Quiet and fast movement can startle bears. Make occasional noise to ensure wildlife is aware of your presence.
The public is encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and take precautions, especially in areas where bear sightings have been reported. As wildlife habitats overlap more with human activity, encounters like these are becoming more common. Still, with calm behavior and responsible actions, risks can be minimized.
Local officials continue monitoring the situation and urge residents to report any additional sightings. Stay safe, stay alert, and follow wildlife safety practices to help protect both yourself and the bears.
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