A black bear wandered through an Oregon college city, giving residents an “unexpected surprise,” police said.
Multiple people reported seeing the wild animal April 21 across the central and western parts of the city, the Corvallis Police Department said in a Facebook post.
It was caught on camera in downtown Corvallis near the police department, prompting a comment from a Facebook user.
“ Dropping off an application with the Corvallis Police Department probably,” the person wrote.
Video footage shows the bear running across the street to the sidewalk as a car approaches. Another video shows a similar encounter.
The animal was also spotted wandering the Linn-Benton Community College campus, police said. Then at about 8 a.m., it was seen leaving the area near the Oregon State University Dairy Farm fields.
It was likely leaving trying to find its way back “into natural habitat,” so police are warning residents to be cautious.
“It is crucial not to approach or attempt to interact with it,” police said in the post. “Instead, seek shelter indoors or retreat to your vehicle with your children and pets until the bear moves on.”
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is monitoring the bear.
“56 years living in Corvallis, and this is definitely a first,” another person commented on Facebook.
There are about 25,000 to 30,000 black bears in Oregon, according to state wildlife officials.
Corvallis is about an 85-mile drive south of Portland.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
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