Yes, that really was a bear in the neighborhood. A black bear was reported yesterday in Troutman’s Barium Seasons Village area, according to police, who shared photos of the unexpected visitor and urged residents to give it plenty of space while it moves through.
The Troutman Police Department asked neighbors to secure children and keep pets leashed or inside until the bear leaves the area.
Police Post and Safety Steps
In a Facebook update, the Troutman Police Department said officers confirmed the bear sighting in the Barium Seasons neighborhood. The post urged residents to keep children in secure areas, keep dogs on leashes, and check outside before letting pets out.
Police noted that black bears usually pass through quickly while searching for food and will typically move on if they do not find anything to eat. The neighborhood where the bear was seen, Barium Seasons Village, is listed as part of Troutman by Realtor.com.
State Guidance on Living With Bears
State wildlife officials and bear experts recommend a calm, hands-off approach when a bear wanders through a residential area. Residents are advised to secure trash, take down bird feeders, and remove any other potential food sources so the animal has no reason to stick around, according to The News & Observer, which summarizes guidance from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the BearWise program.
Those sources also say to give the bear a clear escape route and use noise or other harmless hazing methods if needed, rather than trying to confront or corner the animal.
How Neighbors Should Respond
If you spot the bear or have concerns, you are asked to call Iredell County’s non-emergency dispatch at 704-878-3100, according to Iredell County. Police reiterated in their Facebook post that residents should check yards before letting pets out and closely supervise children until the bear has moved on.
