One unexpected visitor caused a stir in Statesville today, when a black bear was spotted in the Martin Luther King Jr. Park area and the Statesville Police Department quickly pushed out an alert to residents and parkgoers. Officers said the bear had not shown any aggressive behavior, but they urged everyone to give it space and let it move along. Parents were reminded to keep children and pets away and to resist approaching, feeding, or trying to snap close-up photos of the animal.
Police: Give The Bear Space
The Statesville Police Department shared an advisory with straightforward safety steps: keep a safe distance, allow the bear to leave on its own, and do not feed or approach it, according to WCCB Charlotte. Officers also added a 2026 twist to the warning, asking people to skip the close-up selfies. If the bear starts acting threatening, they said to call 911. For situations that are not emergencies, the department can be reached through its nonemergency line.
Why Bears Are Showing Up In Towns
Wildlife officials say black bears often move through neighborhoods in late spring and early summer as young males strike out to find their own territory, and transient bears have been reported across the Piedmont region, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. To keep these wandering bears from sticking around, the commission points people to its BearWise guidance, which focuses on cutting down on attractants like unsecured food and trash. Local coverage has also documented a rise in bear sightings across North Carolina as warmer months push wildlife into developed areas, WBTV reported.
How To Stay Safe And Who To Call
Officials advise that if you spot the bear, your best move is to keep your distance, bring pets inside, and secure any food, bird feeders, or trash that might tempt it to hang around. If the bear comes closer, make noise from a safe location and back away slowly, a standard approach echoed by park services. The National Park Service similarly recommends avoiding startling bears, staying aware of your surroundings, and never feeding wildlife, guidance that is outlined by the agency.
For nonemergencies, residents can contact the Statesville Police Department at 704-878-3406. If the animal is posing an immediate danger, officers say to call 911.
Park Context And Community Note
Martin Luther King Jr. Park is a well-used community green space that hosts summer events and neighborhood gatherings, so city staff moved quickly to get the word out once the bear report came in. The city’s recreation site highlights the park’s amenities and recent events, underscoring why officials wanted visitors in the loop, according to the Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality page. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on Statesville Police Department and city channels for any updates if the situation changes.
