A quiet Sunday in Smyrna turned into a front-row wildlife show when a juvenile black bear wandered into a backyard near Cottesford Drive and Windy Hill Road, according to the Smyrna Police Department. The unexpected visitor led residents to call local authorities and trade stories across the block during a time of year when young bears sometimes drift into suburban yards while they search for food.
As reported by Atlanta News First, the Smyrna Police Department confirmed the sighting near the Cottesford and Windy Hill intersection. The station’s brief dispatch passed along the police alert to residents and pointed viewers to state resources on how to live alongside bears.
State Guidance: Bears and BearWise Basics
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, black bears are the only bear species in Georgia, and the statewide population is estimated at roughly 4,100 animals. The agency’s BearWise program lays out straightforward steps for homeowners: never feed bears, secure garbage and remove bird feeders to cut down on conflicts. State biologists say taking away attractants is the most effective tactic for keeping curious juveniles from making repeat visits to neighborhoods.
Recent Metro Sightings
Sightings like the Smyrna bear have been popping up around the Atlanta metro this spring and early summer, with other communities reporting wandering bears near schools and subdivisions. A recent bear near Alpharetta Elementary led police to sweep a nearby neighborhood and remind families to keep an eye on children and lock down anything that might attract wildlife. Those scattered reports track closely with state guidance that urges residents to remove food sources so bears are less tempted to return.
If You See a Bear
Officials say that if a bear acts aggressively or poses an immediate threat, residents should call 911. Otherwise, nonemergency sightings can be reported to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources while neighbors follow BearWise steps to help keep both people and bears safe. Authorities also stress that residents should not approach, feed or try for close-up photos of a bear, and should secure trash, grills and bird feeders until the animal moves along.
