(WWJ) There's been another black bear spotted in Michigan's Lower Peninsula — this time in Mount Pleasant.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Mount Pleasant Police are investigating the sighting, which was reported early Tuesday afternoon.
The city confirmed the sighting on their Facebook page, saying that bear was spotted at an intersection in a residential area. They shared a photo of the bear up in a tree.
City officials said police were on the scene, and the DNR was also responding.
They asked people to stay away.
"Reducing activity in the area will help ensure the bear does not feel threatened and can be safely managed by responding officials."
This comes after a bear was spotted in the Rockwood and Flat Rock area in recent weeks. Officials said they believed that bear has since moved on.
With these sighting in mind, residents are encouraged to keep pet food, bird seed and garbage put up if a bear is reported to be in the area. If you spot a bear, keep you distance and report it to the police.
While black bear sightings in Metro Detroit are rare, the DNR has noted that bears have been gradually expanding their territory southward in Michigan over the last two decades.
Speaking to WWJ's Amanda Forrester, Taylor Peltier — a Utah State University PhD student involved in a bear study in partnership with the DNR — said any bear seen in our area is probably just passing through.
Rarely do bears attack people, the DNR says, but if they do, you should fight back.
