LAURENS, S.C. — A bear sighting appears to be bringing some excitement to an otherwise calm evening in one South Carolina town.
Laurens Police alerted residents of a black bear that appears to be moving through town – and right now they’re following state advice of letting it be on its way.
“The only way that DNR [Department of Natural Resources] will intervene is in the event that the bear becomes hostile, at which time they will move in to attempt to subdue and relocate the animal,” the department said.
In the meantime, they’re asking residents not to approach, feed or otherwise contact the bear – and definitely don’t try to capture it. In the age of the photo-op, they’re also asking residents not to go into neighborhoods where the bear may be to take a photo – or a selfie.
“Remember, this is a wild animal and should be considered extremely dangerous if approached,” the department said.
Police are hoping, for now, that the bear will make its way through town and back into the often nearby forests of South Carolina. Until it does, the department still suggests residents call 911 if they feel the animal may be getting a little too close to home – or showing signs of hostility.