UPDATED: Columbia County Bear Sighting, Part 2

12:00 p.m. UPDATE: From Pam Tucker: The bear went to Watervale Rd, where it tried to enter the garage & then ran behind the residence. This bear sounds scared and is trying to find his way – most likely towards Gainesville or Macon. That’s where our two closest bear populations are.

DNR advises that everyone should back off and provided these tips for handling bears in residential areas:

1. Never pursue or chase on foot or in vehicles in an attempt to chase it from the area.

2. Give plenty of space and an avenue of retreat.

3. Homeowners should remove dogs from the area (keep penned up) so the bear doesn’t run up a tree.

4. Remove all dog and cat food from outside on porches or yards.

5. Put trash out on the day of pick-up by garbage company.

This bear is not looking to hurt anyone. He’s made some sort of a loop looking for a new territory where other bears are close-by. It won’t find that here – and if we get out of the way – he will find his way where he needs to be. DNR strongly advises just leaving it alone at this point.

For more Black Bear facts, visit the Georgia DNR website.

11:45 a.m. UPDATE: From Pam Tucker: Over the past couple of hours, there have been numerous sightings of a black bear…from Timberwolf Trail, to Hunter Ridge…to the Steven’s Creek Community Church…and just a moment ago it was spotted on Stevens Way in the Stevens Pointe Subdivision.

We may have a cub and a bear out there since some residents report a 300 pound bear…and others report a cub.  At any rate, DNR advised our Animal Care & Control Department that the bear should be left alone to just find its way.  It’s a little unnerving for residents in our area to see a bear roaming around, but if left alone, he will move on.  DNR states that we can expect from 3 to 5 bears to move through our area this time of year…every year.  We want the bear to be able to safety go wherever he is trying to go.

Columbia County, GA—Residents in Columbia County, Georgia have spotted another bear. It’s the second such sighting in as many weeks.

Reports are coming in from Stevens Creek Road to Evans To Locks Road.

Columbia County Emergency Management Director Pam Tucker says crews from DNR have been notified.

If you see the bear, don’t try to contact it, and stay indoors. If you have any pictures or video you’d like to share, email it to us at .

Andrew Bryan sent these picture below of the bear in his yard, on Monday morning, off Stevens Creek Road: