WILLOUGHBY HILLS, Ohio — The Willoughby Hills Police Department is urging the public to remain calm after residents sighted a bear in the Lake County town over the weekend.
According to Willoughby Hills police, a black bear was captured on video in a resident's backyard near the Manakiki Golf Course.
Black bears live throughout the contiguous United States, and because of their versatile diet, can live in a variety of habitat types, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Bears are omnivores and mostly will feed off fruit, grass and meat, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
The bears are also opportunistic, Willoughby Hills police said. The bears will rummage through trash cans and barbecue grills in hopes of finding leftovers.
The police said that black bears are skittish and that people should not try to corner them. The department offered the following tips if you encounter a black bear:
- Act calm and do not run.
- Warn the bear that you are near; talk in a firm, calm voice.
- Allow space between you and the bear. Step aside and back slowly away.
- Raise your hands above your head to appear larger if the bear approaches.
- Exit the area.
The department also recommended securing trash cans, cleaning barbecue grills and rethinking the location of bird feeders.
If you spot a black bear, the police department encourages you to contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources District Wildlife Office.