JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — A black bear was spotted near the Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, and officials are urging the public to be on the lookout for it.
"A bear had been spotted on base," the Little Rock Air Force Base said on Facebook. "Bears may look friend-shaped... but no matter how floofy or cute they look, remember they are wild animals!"
As a safety precaution, the Little Rock Air Force Base offered tips on reducing the chances of running into a bear and what to do if an encounter happens.
Tips to reduce run-ins with bears
- Never feed bears
- Secure food, garbage and recycling
- Never leave pet food outdoors
- Check your yard for bears before letting out your dog
What to do if a bear encounter happens
- If you see a bear before it notices you, don't approach it!
- If you encounter a bear aware of you, remain calm and don't run; running may trigger a chase response.
- Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human.
- If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by becoming as large and imposing as possible, stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises.
- Black bear attacks are rare, but if they happen, DO NOT play dead. Fight back!
- Report all bear encounters.
This bear sighting comes just a few days after a black bear was spotted roaming along Rodney Parham near the Leawood neighborhood in Little Rock.
It is unclear whether the bear spotted near the Air Force base was the same one trotting down the Little Rock road.
The Little Rock Air Force Base said it is "unlikely" to encounter the bear near base housing as "it is moving east... to find a new home."
According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), bears are expected to be spotted in unusual places during this time of year.
"[It] happens every year, young bears are kicked out of the nest... especially the young males because they're the ones that have to go out and find new places to live," AGFC Large Carnivore Program Coordinator Myron Means said. "That's in variably. That's what's going to show up in town."
People who spot a bear can contact AGFC to report a sighting, and they can take care of it.
