Neighbors in Garfield Heights got an unexpected wildlife sighting today when a home security camera caught a black bear casually walking across a front yard. The homeowner said a light spooked the animal, and it turned away without stepping into the backyard.
The video was shared in a Facebook post by The Cleveland,Ohio Remembrance Page, which includes still images from the homeowner’s footage. According to the post, the motion alert on the camera initially tagged the visitor as a person. The post also urges residents to report bear sightings to local authorities or the Ohio Division of Natural Resources and to lock down trash, pet food, and bird feeders so they do not turn into a buffet line for passing wildlife.
Where This Fits In A Statewide Uptick
Black bear encounters have been climbing across Ohio in recent years. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife reports the state logged a record 537 reported black bear sightings in 2025. The agency notes that sightings usually peak from late May through early July, when young males are dispersing through the region.
Neighboring Suburbs Seeing Nighttime Sightings
Garfield Heights is not alone in its late-night visitor problem. Nearby communities have posted similar clips from overnight security cameras, a Pepper Pike Ring-camera bear cameo ran this week, Hoodline noted, after police there shared the video with residents. Those reports echo familiar advice from local departments to give bears plenty of space and to never try to feed or approach them.
How To Bear-Proof Your Yard
Wildlife officials recommend stripping away anything that might tempt a hungry bear. That means bringing bird feeders and pet food indoors, securing garbage in sturdy containers, and cleaning grills after use so they are not scented with leftovers.
If a bear acts aggressively or seems to pose an immediate danger, authorities say residents should call 911. For non-emergency sightings, officials ask people to hold on to photos and timestamps, then report the details to the Ohio Division of Wildlife so officers can track the animal’s movements.
Residents who get footage are encouraged to keep the original files with timestamps and share them with police or the Division of Wildlife, which helps map where animals are traveling. Most suburban encounters involve transient bears that move along once easy food sources disappear, officials say.
