MORRISTOWN - Two bear sightings were reported yesterday morning in the area of Interstate 70. One occurred close to Jamboree in the Hills in Morristown. The bear was observed near the Fine Day Campground west of the Jamboree. The other sighting was near the I-70 rest area at milepost 210.
Officials from the Belmont Sheriff's Office and the highway patrol investigated both sightings and found no signs. The game warden's office was notified.
It is believed the bear spotted is a black bear.
Officials from the division of wildlife note that bear sightings can be expected in this season.
"This is the time of year," said Bryan Postlethwait, wildlife officer and supervisor with the Division of Wildlife. "Young males are getting kicked out of tier territory by their mothers. A lot of year-and-a-half bears travel through the state in June and July."
He added that a bear sighting had been reported earlier this summer in Barnesville. Others have been confirmed in Monroe County through the use of trail cameras.
Postlethwait added that black bears are the most prevalent type observed. The area has not seen many grizzlies. He advises people to take appropriate precautions with their garbage and to refrain from feeding their pets outside.
"The cleaner your area is, the better," he said. "A bear will act as a wild animal and scavenge for food."
DeFrank can be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com
