A small black bear, likely a cub, took a casual stroll through an East Cobb front yard this week, and the entire walk was captured on a doorbell camera. The short clip shows the bear padding across the grass, lingering briefly near the landscaping, then disappearing into a nearby treeline. Neighbors said no people or pets were hurt, and the homeowner urged everyone in the area to stay cautious.
Ashley Wilson told Atlanta News First that her doorbell camera caught the unexpected visitor on Woodlawn Road. "It appeared to be a cub," she said. Wilson, who told the outlet she has lived in Cobb County for 40 years, also warned neighbors that the mother bear could be close by.
State Officials: What They Recommend
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia is home to an estimated 4,100 black bears. The agency urges residents to follow its BearWise guidance to cut down on bear encounters around homes.
The BearWise recommendations include removing bird feeders, securing trash and pet food, and keeping grills clean so bears are not tempted to come closer in search of an easy meal.
Sightings Across North Georgia
East Cobb is not alone in seeing bears this week. Atlanta News First reported a bear spotted along I-985 in Hall County between mile markers 8 and 9. In Newnan, FOX 5 Atlanta shared video of a bear bending a pole to reach a bird feeder.
Those sightings prompted police and wildlife officials to again urge residents to take down bird feeders and secure any food left outdoors.
How To Keep Bears Out Of Your Yard
Wildlife biologists say the best plan is to keep bears from getting interested in your property in the first place. That means taking down bird feeders, storing trash indoors or in bear-resistant containers, and bringing pet food and grills under cover.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources offers a full BearWise checklist for households that live near bear habitat. If a bear does show up in your yard, officials advise making loud noises from a safe distance to encourage it to move along, and never trying to approach or feed it.
In the meantime, East Cobb neighbors say they will keep their cameras rolling and share any new footage with one another and with authorities. If you spot a bear, call local police or the DNR ranger hotline at 800-241-4113.
