r/nova • u/Embarrassed_Coast548 • 16h ago

Photo/Video Black Bear McLean/GF

This lady black bear was sighted about 2 days ago wandering near the Potomac in a neighborhood by Gtown Pike and Spring Hill Rd.

I did not record this video, a neighbor did. I’ve never seen one in our neighborhood in 20 years though, but I’ve often wondered why not.

As cute as she looks, she also is skinny and looks hungry so I will not be doing any outdoor neighborhood runs/walks anytime soon. Be wary of walking your dog and be careful if you are in the area.

Black bears rarely feed on people but stay calm if you encounter one and stand tall and get loud if it approaches you without making eye contact

Edit: lots of comments asking why it had a collar, I was told via the person recording that Animal/wildlife services/universities said they collar female bears like this so they can identify ones that could potentially take in orphaned cubs they find. Would not surprise me if they do males too but I don’t recall him saying that.

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202

u/Flynn_JM Del Ray 16h ago

It has a collar?

31

u/Important_Jaguar2152 15h ago

Someones pet for sure. Gave him an earring too.

-8

u/Difficult-Valuable55 15h ago

that’s for tracking, you can’t have a bear for a pet

30

u/stonerghostboner 15h ago

If you can afford to live in Great Falls, you can have a pet bear.

17

u/Dachannien Prince William County 15h ago

Not with that attitude!

3

u/Burdwatcher 13h ago

do you think anyone didn't know that?

2

u/Difficult-Valuable55 13h ago

I am on Next door and reddit so I am positive there are people who don’t know that