Black bears spotted in Utica area, authorities urge caution
YEAH. THAT’S RIGHT. MEGAN. NOW, THE HOMEOWNER DID NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE BEING ON CAMERA WITH US, BUT SHE DID GIVE ME PERMISSION TO BE OUTSIDE OF HER PROPERTY. SHE TOLD ME THAT SHE WAS TERRIFIED AROUND 11:00 THIS MORNING, WHEN SHE SAW THAT BEAR AT HER FRONT DOOR. AND IT WAS ACTUALLY ONE MEMBER OF HER FAMILY WHO SPOTTED THE BEAR. AND ACTUALLY, IF HE PANNED THE CAMERA DOWN RIGHT NOW, IT’S ACTUALLY HER CAT, WHICH WAS RIGHT NEXT TO THE BEAR WHEN IT HAPPENED. IT’S BEEN HERE THE WHOLE TIME AS I’VE BEEN TALKING NOW. RING DOOR CAMERA VIDEO SHOWS THE FAMILY CAT LYING ON FRONT. THE FRONT PORCH MAT WHERE SUDDENLY IT NOTICES A BLACK BEAR APPROACHING THE HOME. THE CAT QUICKLY RUNS SEVERAL FEET AWAY AS THE BEAR CONTINUES WALKING TOWARD THE FRONT DOOR. THE HOMEOWNER SAYS SHE AND HER DAUGHTER WERE BOTH INSIDE THE HOUSE, AND WHEN THE BEAR APPROACHED, AUTHORITIES SAY BLACK BEARS ARE NATIVE TO MISSISSIPPI AND ARE USUALLY NOT AGGRESSIVE UNLESS THEY FEEL THREATENED OR ARE SEARCHING FOR FOOD. NOW, OFFICIALS ARE URGING RESIDENTS TO AVOID APPROACHING THE ANIMALS AND TO REPORT ANY SIGHTINGS. I SHOULD SAY TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND UTICA POLICE CHIEF TIMOTHY MYLES SAYS IN MOST CASES, RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT APPROACH THE BEAR AND ALSO ALLOW THEM TO MOVE ALONG. STAY INSIDE AND. AND THEY. AND ALSO THAT IF THEY ARE NOT CAUSING ANY KIND OF PROBLEMS LIKE TRYING TO BREAK IN YOUR CAR OR YOUR YOUR HOME OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, AND THEY SHOULD MOVE ON. AND REAL QUICK, THE HOMEOWNER TOLD ME BEFORE WE WENT LIVE THAT HER CAT, WHICH IS RIGHT NEXT TO MY FEET, IS THANKFUL THAT HER CAT WAS THERE TO KIND OF STARTLE THE BEAR OFF. NOW, OFFICIALS SAY THAT THEY’LL BE MONITORING THE AREA AND PARTS OF HINDS COUNTY LOOKING FOR THOSE BEARS AND ANY OTHERS. BUT THEY DO WARN THE PUBLIC TO NEVER APPROACH ANY BEAR AND ALSO DON’T LEAVE ANY FOOD OUT IN THE AREA FOR THEM TO BE IN YOUR AREA AND TO GET A
Black bears spotted in Utica area, authorities urge caution
Updated: 6:33 PM CDT May 25, 2026
Authorities in Hinds County responded Monday afternoon after reports of at least two black bears spotted in the Utica area.The Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and Utica police responded to multiple sightings, including one bear photographed by a local resident.Officials said they are aware of an increase in black bear sightings across parts of Hinds County and are urging residents to remain cautious.The sheriff’s office encouraged people to secure food sources around their homes, keep pets close and avoid approaching or feeding the animals.Residents are also being asked to report bear sightings to local authorities to help protect both the community and the wildlife.Black bears are native to Mississippi and are typically not aggressive unless they feel threatened or are searching for food.
HINDS COUNTY, Miss. —
Authorities in Hinds County responded Monday afternoon after reports of at least two black bears spotted in the Utica area.
The Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and Utica police responded to multiple sightings, including one bear photographed by a local resident.
Officials said they are aware of an increase in black bear sightings across parts of Hinds County and are urging residents to remain cautious.
The sheriff’s office encouraged people to secure food sources around their homes, keep pets close and avoid approaching or feeding the animals.
Residents are also being asked to report bear sightings to local authorities to help protect both the community and the wildlife.
Black bears are native to Mississippi and are typically not aggressive unless they feel threatened or are searching for food.