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BEL ALTON, Md. \u2014 A black bear spotted late Friday night, July 25, 2025, near Dove Drive in the Bel Alton Estates neighborhood is likely the same bear recently seen in neighboring St. Mary\u2019s County, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.<\/p>\n
The sighting occurred around 9:30 p.m. near the Charles County Fairgrounds. A resident posted a photo on social media showing a dark figure resembling a bear near the edge of the woods. DNR wildlife staff confirmed receiving reports and photos submitted by the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn recent history, it is not common to see bears in Southern Maryland,\u201d a DNR spokesperson said. \u201cHowever, this is not the first time a bear has been documented there, and we have documented multiple bears in Prince George\u2019s County over the past few years.\u201d<\/p>\n
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DNR said it believes the same animal seen in St. Mary\u2019s County, where a bear knocked over a backyard bird feeder<\/a>, is now moving through Charles County.<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe the bear documented in St. Mary\u2019s County is the same bear that residents are seeing in Charles County,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n Officials said the bear has not shown any concerning behavior so far.<\/p>\n \u201cCurrently, the bear is not exhibiting any behaviors that the DNR deems concerning from a public safety standpoint, as the bear has a healthy fear of humans and has fled anytime it has encountered a human,\u201d the spokesperson said. \u201cIt is moving through the area with relatively few reports.\u201d<\/p>\n DNR said it will only consider intervention if there is a risk to the public or the bear itself.<\/p>\n \u201cDNR will consider intervention if the bear\u2019s presence becomes a public safety concern or if DNR believes the bear\u2019s safety is at risk.\u201d<\/p>\n As sightings continue, residents are encouraged to remove food attractants such as trash, pet food, bird feeders, unclean grills, and wildlife feed.<\/p>\n \u201cTrash should be kept in a building until pickup day,\u201d the spokesperson said. \u201cRegarding bird feeders, simply bringing them in at night will not deter a bear. The bear will simply visit the feeder during the day.\u201d<\/p>\n DNR has not issued a formal advisory in this case but encourages residents to remain aware and informed. More information about bear safety is available at dnr.maryland.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Join The BayNet Membership<\/a> for exclusive perks and zero ads.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bear-sighting-cc.jpg\")
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