Black bear sighted in Albertville

A black bear has been reported wandering around the outskirts of Albertville.

Albertville Police Chief Jamie Smith said the bear was reported this morning in the area around Apple Avenue and Pecan Avenue. He said the bear was reported in the Whitesville Road area later in the day.

“The bear is not a danger,” Smith said. “I talked to a conservation officer this morning and he said people should leave it alone and it will go away on its own.”

Smith said people should make sure not to leave any food that will make an easy meal for the bear. That included dog food, cat food and even bird seed.

“He’s a scavenger looking for something to eat,” Smith said. “If he can’t find food, he’ll move on.”

Smith said he talked with a wildlife biologist in Mobile earlier in the day and was told the bear was being tracked, and biologists were aware of its location. Smith said he was told the bear was a 2-year-old male.

“If you see it, you can take a photo,” Smith said. “But, don’t approach the bear or corner him or hem him up. He’s just scavenging food for winter.”