A state wildlife biologist with discuss how to deal with bears in the city.
Hickory residents have seen a black bear in several northwest sections this summer. In response, the city will host a community meeting Sept. 8 on bears.
Danny Ray, wildlife biologist for N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission District 8, will talk about bears and answer residents’ questions at 6:30 p.m. at the Geitner Building in Geitner-Rotary Park, 2035 12th Street Drive, NW.
Hickory operates two parks in the northwest area where a bear could find suitable habitat. Parks and Recreation Department staff have not seen a bear at Glenn C. Hilton Jr. Memorial Park or Geitner-Rotary Park, but have taken extra steps to deter bear presence and activity.
Some of the extra steps include removing trash bags from trash containers before the parks close each night and ensuring all Dumpsters have closed lids at all times.
The city has no jurisdiction or legal authority to interfere with wild animals, according to a news release.
The Wildlife Resources Commission has jurisdiction and authority over wildlife in North Carolina.
There have been no reports of people or pets endangered by a bear, although some property damage has occurred by a bear searching for food.
A bear has been sighted in Hickory several times over the past several months.
In one incident, a bear was treed, but fled before police arrived.
Many residents think the sightings are the same bear.
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