Trouble “a Bruin” at Botetourt Commons

A bear came to Kroger near the area where employees and others use the table for breaks and eating. Victoria Kelley took the photo, but it was sent to us, after it has appeared on Facebook. The bruin was there over the past few days.

Apparently someone purchased food and fed the bear.

There is a law against feeding the bear. Just like cartoon Yogi Bear, do not feed the bear.

“Virginia Code 15-40-282,” said Department of Game and Inland Fisheries wildlife specialist Zach Cullen covers the do not feed the bears. ” It is illegal to deliberately feed bears on either public or private land.”

Bears are best viewed from afar. A couple of honks on the car horn usually send them scurring. If the bear were to get into Kroger he likely would have to be put down. Imagine the panic for both customers or the bear. It could create a dangerous situation. Or someone loading groceries in the car could meet up with a bag grabber of the bear kind, that too could be a safety issue.

This bear appears to be a juvenile and likely has been on his his own for a short while, so he is apt to not know how to avoid trouble.

Conservation officer Shannon Smith said, “Just do not feed him or encourage him. Toot your horn and from a safe distance clap and yell. Bears do not like noise. ” He planned a trip out to Kroger and area businesses to speak with them.

Read more on the DGIF website https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/bear/becoming-bear-aware/

Story by Cathy Benson. Photo by Victoria Kelley

This story has been edited