ROANOKE, Va. (WSET) — Growing concerns are emerging about the local bear population as cases of mange rise, especially in the Roanoke region.
Mange is a contagious skin disease caused by microscopic mites. Bears with the disease are being spotted without hair and appearing thin and sick. The sightings have prompted warnings from law enforcement, though wildlife experts say the public should not be alarmed.
Bear Mange in Virginia (DWR)
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“I hate seeing it. We all hate seeing it. It’s sad. They look miserable,” said Ali Davis, a district wildlife biologist with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Davis said bears with mange are not automatically more dangerous than other bears. “These bears aren’t inherently dangerous just because they have mange. They’re no more dangerous than any other bear. You just need to treat it the same way,” Davis said. “The best thing to do is just leave them alone and let them try to recover on their own.”
A black bear with severe mange has been spotted around the Roanoke area (Credit: Rachael Ross)
Most bears will fight off the infection naturally and develop immunity, according to wildlife officials.
People can help reduce the spread by removing food attractants such as bird feeders, pet food and garbage. Anyone who sees a bear showing signs of mange is asked to report it to the Wildlife Conflict Helpline.