Black bear sightings are becoming increasingly common across the Charlotte region, with new reports emerging from both Charlotte and Gastonia in recent weeks.
Last night, a black bear was spotted near the Tryon Courthouse area in Gastonia before running into nearby woods, according to Taylor Sutton.
The sighting comes just weeks after another black bear was spotted in Charlotte’s Highland Creek neighborhood.
According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, a Charlotte resident submitted video of the sighting, showing a black bear eating from a bird feeder in Highland Creek.
Wildlife officials say the sightings are not unusual this time of year.
Bear activity typically increases between Memorial Day and early summer as young males travel long distances searching for territory. Those movements often bring bears into suburban neighborhoods and other unexpected locations.
The NCWRC says black bear populations have steadily expanded across North Carolina, leading to more sightings throughout the Piedmont region, including Mecklenburg County.
While many residents may be surprised to encounter a bear in the Charlotte area, wildlife officials stress that these appearances are usually temporary and are not cause for alarm.
To reduce conflicts, officials recommend following the BearWise program guidelines, including removing bird feeders, securing garbage, bringing pet food indoors, cleaning grills, and never feeding or approaching bears.
As development continues to expand into previously wooded areas, wildlife experts expect Charlotte-area residents to encounter black bears more frequently in the years ahead.
