Black bear spotted in DC neighborhood

WASHINGTON - Authorities say a black bear has been spotted in a tree in a northeast D.C. neighborhood.

The bear was seen just before 7:30 a.m. in a tree in the 1300 block of Franklin Street.

Animal Care and Control is responding to the area and have closed roads around the tree.

A FOX 5 viewer says they spotted a bear at a Prince George's County shopping center Wednesday. A black bear was also spotted Thursday morning in Hyattsville.

In May, a bear was spotted on the Naval Support Activity Bethesda installation in Montgomery County. In April, a bear was caught on camera going through trash in Kensington neighborhood

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says the most common human-bear conflicts involve unsecured attractants, such as garbage and human food.

- Never approach bears, always remain at least 100 yards (300 feet) away, or about the length of a football field

- Practice ethical wildlife viewing by remaining a safe distance and never disturbing natural behaviors

- Never feed, leave food for, or make food accessible to bears

- Store food, garbage, barbecue grills, and other attractants in locked hard-sided vehicles or bear-resistant storage boxes

- Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make sure it is accessible

- Hike or ski in groups of three or more, stay on maintained trails and make noise

- Avoid hiking at dusk, dawn, or at night

- Do not run if you encounter a bear

- Instead of traditional bird feeders, set up birdhouses or birdbaths, plant native flowers, or set up hanging flower baskets for hummingbirds

- Keep chickens and other small livestock properly secured using electric fencing or keep them inside a closed shed with a door

- Report bear sightings, encounters, and conflicts immediately to your state or tribal wildlife management agency

Authorities say a black bear has been spotted in a tree in northeast D.C. neighborhood.

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