Normally black bears are found in the forest or in the zoo, however for these homeowners on Shelby Drive in Albemarle County, a bear made an interesting visit this afternoon.
"He didn't look that big. He was pretty high and wide and looked to be about a hundred pound bear," said Joshua Gilbert
Around 5 p.m., a homeowner at 2208 Shelby Drive called police saying there was a bear in the backyard of his residence. The black bear cub was going from yard to yard, looking for a bite to eat.
"He just kept roaming around the yard and we tried to feed him some bread but I don't think he was interested," said John Vlasis.
The bear stalked several back yards in three neighboring houses, then hit the high road when he was startled by a car. He took off, eluding two police officers in their cars and taking cover in a nearby ravine. The bear made a successful getaway.
"Animal control stated that they would not come unless we were in imminent danger," said Vlasis.
The residents here say a bear sighting is obviously a rarity and they hope the four-legged friend finds a safe home.
"I have never seen a bear except for a zoo," said Gilbert.
"Well, I hope they can trap him and put him back in the wild because he is a beautiful animal," commented Vlasis.
Bear On The Loose 