Orphaned Bear Cub Trying to Survive in Crozet Subdivision

Back to HomePage
Updated: 7:13 PM Apr 6, 2010 Orphaned Bear Cub Trying to Survive in Crozet Subdivision People are on the lookout for an orphaned bear cub in Crozet. It seems the furry creature has made a home for itself in the Old Trail subdivision. The Game Warden is aware of the situation. Posted: 6:20 PM Apr 6, 2010 Reporter: Bianca Spinosa Email Address: bianca.spinosa@newsplex.com

Font Size:

April 6, 2010

People are on the lookout for an orphaned bear cub in Crozet. It seems the furry creature is creating quite a stir in the Old Trail subdivision.

People are being told not to pet the bear or go near it, even though it's a tiny cub, only about forty pounds. The bear has become a fixture in the western Albemarle County development.

"When I left that day it was right at the edge drinking," says Sandra Terrell. The nanny was taking ten-month-old Sammy for a stroll in the neighborhood when she heard a loud noise.

"Something went running across the bushes. I thought it was a fat cat, but when I looked over at the tree it was a baby bear," says Terrell.

She says it's the same bear Sammy's parents saw in their driveway just days ago.

"I startled it, and it startled us, and when I looked over there, the bear was hugging the tree and turned and looked at me," says Terrell.

The Newsplex has learned the bear is an orphan yearling. It's too old to be considered a cub, and too young to be out on its own. The bear's parents likely died, forcing it to fend for itself.

With no Mama Bear to protect it, the bear aimlessly wanders. It's natural habitat overrun by development.

"I think we're beginning to encroach up in the area where they are, and they're hungry, and they're coming down [from the mountains]," says Lucinda Riley, the owner of Face Values Salon in Crozet.

Riley has seen black bears crossing the Old Trail golf course near her house.

"We were out there in a golf cart, and we saw it in the 11th hole crossing to the 12th. We think it was headed to the clubhouse," says Riley. "Maybe to get a sandwich? I don't know," she said with a laugh.

Most of the people who live and work in Old Trail aren't threatened by the bears.

"They're afraid of you as much as you're afraid of them, so all you have to do is make yourself look real big and real loud and they'll leave," says Forrest Jones, a mail carrier in Crozet.

In fact that was Terrell's reaction when she and baby Sammy saw the furry creature.

"We sort of stood there for a minute to see what it was going to do, and just moved on," says Terrell.

The Game Warden is aware of the situation. They are warning people not to approach bears, because getting between a mama bear and her cubs can be a sure way to get attacked. No word yet on if the bear will be re-located into the wilderness.

Latest Comments

Posted by: cheryl Location: crozet on Apr 7, 2010 at 04:22 PM

no its the problem all the subdivisions in the county their is no room for the animals to live so that is why we are having problems with animals stop all of the building please before their are more problems than the game wardens can handle

Posted by: Frances Location: Alabama on Apr 7, 2010 at 02:23 PM

The bear is still a "baby" but is an accident waiting to happen. Children eating granola bars, apples , & a starving bear ? Not a good situation. Have someone set up a safe cage trap & relocate him to a sanctuary.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Fluvanna on Apr 7, 2010 at 08:56 AM

What is the game warden doing about it? You can't let the poor thing starve. Relocate it already, it's only a matter of time until the bear gets into a yard or problem with someone's pet or child.

Click here to post or read all 3 comments.

Live News	Weather Now	Desktop Alert
Mobile	iPhone App	Text Alerts
Facebook	Twitter	YouTube