A rare bear sighting has been confirmed in north Charlotte, just ahead of the three-day Memorial Day weekend.<\/p>\n
It was caught on video around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in The Glen at Highland Creek, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission reports.<\/p>\n
This is the bear that was recorded at a home in the Charlotte area. It was seen trying to get food from a bird feeder, officials said. Bear sightings are rare in the Piedmont. NC Wildlife Resources Commission video screegrab <\/p>\n
Witnesses reported seeing the bear calmly strolling across lawns in the neighborhood, which is near the intersection of Interstate 485 and Mallard Creek Road. It was also seen feasting from someone\u2019s bird feeder.<\/p>\n
Linda and Larry Poelma had been eating supper in their sun room when it suddenly appeared outside the window, about eight feet away. The couple have lived in the community more than 10 years, and it counted as a first.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy husband was clearing the table, and he said: \u2018It\u2019s a bear.\u2019 I thought he was joking, but it was a bear,\u201d Linda Poelma told The Charlotte Observer. \u201cIt was not in a hurry. I was fascinated. We both were, but we were inside.\u201d<\/p>\n
It eventually wandered into some woods that act as a buffer between the couple\u2019s home and a golf course, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI warned the neighbors and told everybody to be on the lookout. Maybe don\u2019t walk at night,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Black bears are largely found in the mountain and coastal regions, but there is evidence some will pass through the Piedmont seasonally.<\/p>\n