Black Bear Spotted Roaming Through Oregon City, Surprising Residents

A black bear was spotted early Wednesday morning in Philomath, Oregon, heading towards the Philomath Middle School from Chapel Drive. The Philomath Police Chief, Dave Gurski, received a call about the sighting around 5:30 a.m. and notified the school district due to the bear's proximity to the middle school and a nearby park.

Gurski contacted the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and a wildlife biologist advised that as long as the bear was not getting into garbage or causing a nuisance, there was not much that could be done. The police officer who responded patrolled the area but did not spot the bear again.

This sighting coincides with a black bear spotted in central and west Corvallis on Sunday. The Corvallis Police Department reported multiple confirmed sightings of the bear starting around 3:11 am, with the bear being seen at various locations throughout the city until around 8:00 am. No damages were reported, and the bear was last seen leaving the city.

Why this matters: Bear sightings in urban areas raise concerns about public safety and the need for residents to be informed about proper precautions. It also highlights the importance of wildlife management strategies to minimize human-bear conflicts as urban development continues to encroach on natural habitats.

The police advised residents to exercise caution and maintain distance if they encounter the bear, and recommended remaining calm, not approaching or feeding the bear, and seeking shelter indoors. Gurski said the police department will be on "bear watch" and provide public information if there are any additional sightings, advising residents to bring in garbage, pets, and outdoor food and water to avoid attracting the bear.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is providing tips on how to keep bears wild and avoid dangerous encounters as people spend more time outdoors with the warmer spring weather. "The bear is likely seeking its way back into natural habitat, and allowing it space is the safest course of action," the agency stated, reminding people to stay away from bears and know how to react if they come face-to-face with one.

Key Takeaways

• A black bear was spotted in Philomath, Oregon, near a middle school.
• The bear was also spotted in Corvallis, Oregon, on Sunday with no reported damages.
• Authorities advised residents to exercise caution, maintain distance, and avoid attracting the bear.
• Wildlife officials stated the bear is likely seeking natural habitat and should be left alone.
• The sightings highlight the need for wildlife management strategies as urban areas expand.