A Black Bear and two cubs have been spotted in town the past couple of nights/days (9/27 AND 9/28/2026). DO NOT APPROACH AND USE CAUTION IF YOU SEE THEM!
🐻 Be Bear Aware, Gate City!
As we share our beautiful Southwest Virginia home with native wildlife, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) reminds residents that black bears are moving through residential areas in search of food.
In Virginia, it is strictly illegal to deliberately or inadvertently feed black bears. The state will not trap or relocate a bear simply for raiding trash—keeping our neighborhoods safe depends entirely on us removing what attracts them.
🚫 Remove the Bait: Secure Your Property
Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are driven entirely by their appetites. Protect your home by managing these common attractants:
- Garbage: Store your trash inside a secure building or use bear-resistant containers. If you use a collection service, put your bins out the morning of pickup, never the night before.
- Bird Feeders: Remove birdseed and feeders entirely if a bear has been spotted nearby.
- Pet Food: Feed your pets indoors or bring all leftover food and bowls inside immediately after they eat.
- Grills: Clean your outdoor grills thoroughly after every use to eliminate grease and food odors.
🌲 Know What to Do in an Encounter
If you come across a black bear, remember that they are generally shy and will avoid humans if they aren’t provoked.
- From a distance: Enjoy watching them safely from afar. Make heavy noises, bang pots, or wave your arms to encourage them to leave your yard.
- Up close: Do NOT run. Running can trigger a bear’s chase instinct. Face the bear, speak calmly so it recognizes you as human, and slowly back away to give it a clear escape route.
- Bears in trees: If a frightened bear climbs a tree, leave it alone, bring pets inside, and clear the area. It will come down and slip away quietly once it feels safe.