05/29/2026
🐻 BEAR ALERT | CATAWBA, N.C. — Wednesday, May 27, 2026
A black bear has been confirmed active within the town limits of Catawba, prompting officials to issue a community alert Wednesday morning.
The Town of Catawba issued the notice this morning, advising residents of wildlife activity in the area of 4th Avenue and Old Catawba Road. The alert was accompanied by a lighthearted reminder from town officials, who quipped: “Never run away when you see a bear, unless you can beat some of the other runners.” 😄🐾
The sighting is not an isolated incident. Local resident Niki Chancey reported spotting what appears to be the same bear — or one just like it — at her home on Stagecoach Road in Catawba approximately two weeks ago. Her photo, captured after dark, shows a large black bear foraging near the tree line along her property.
The sightings come as the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is reporting a notable increase in black bear activity across the state. According to NCWRC Black Bear Biologist Jenna Malzahn, transient bears have been observed in every county in North Carolina, including highly populated areas. “Historically, black bears were abundant throughout the state, including the Piedmont region,” Malzahn reported. Wildlife biologists say bear sightings typically spike from Memorial Day weekend through early summer, as bears move through established and new territories in search of food.
State wildlife officials and BearWise — a national program partnered with the NCWRC — urge residents to be proactive in reducing attractants that may draw bears into neighborhoods. NCWRC BearWise Coordinator Ashley Hobbs stated, “By being proactive in removing these attractants now, residents can avoid future interactions with black bears. The majority of calls about bears to our NC Wildlife Helpline involve some form of unsecured food attractant.”
Residents in the Catawba area are urged to take the following precautions:
🗑️ Secure garbage cans and recycling bins
🐦 Remove bird feeders while bears are active
🍖 Clean grills after use and store them properly
🐾 Keep pet food indoors
🐕 Keep pets on a leash when outdoors
🐔 Secure small livestock, including chickens and their feed
If you encounter a black bear, do not approach or attempt to feed it. According to the NCWRC, residents should make loud noises, make themselves appear large, and slowly back away without running. The NCWRC notes that black bear attacks on humans are very uncommon, and bears rarely become aggressive when encountering people. “A bear traveling to or through a highly populated area is not an emergency,” wildlife officials have said.
Anyone needing assistance can contact the NC Wildlife Helpline Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 866-318-2401. After-hours concerns can be directed to [email protected].
👇 Have you spotted a bear in Catawba County or the surrounding area recently? Drop your sighting in the comments below — include your general location and when you saw it — to help your neighbors stay informed.
If this is news you rely on, follow Catawba County News and Weather and share this post to help keep your community aware. 🐻
