The West Virginia University Police Department issued a Community Notice advising caution after a black bear was reported in the Core Arboretum Tuesday afternoon (April 23). Officers immediately responded to the area and canvassed the trail but were not able to locate the bear.
If you encounter the bear, call 911.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reports black bears are seldom aggressive and attacks are rare.
According to the WV DNR:
· If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction.
· If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave.
· Keep dogs leashed: Letting dogs chase or bark at bears is asking for trouble; don’t force a bear to defend itself.
· Leave earbuds at home. Cyclists and joggers traveling quickly and quietly can easily surprise bears. Be aware of your surroundings and make noise periodically.
Additional safety tips are available at https://wvdnr.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bearwise-outdoor-safety-tips-flier-west-virginiamay2020-2.pdf.
· Download the LiveSafe app for direct, two-way communication with UPD.
West Virginia University Resources:
· WVU Police Department – 911 | (304) 293-2677 | (304) 293-3136
· WVU Carruth Center – (304) 293-4431
· WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – (304) 293-5600
· WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities – (304) 293-8111
· WVU Faculty and Staff Assistance Program – (304) 293-5590
· WVU Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center – (304) 292-5100
· WVU Office of Campus and Community Life – (304) 293-5611
· WVU Student Health – (304) 285-7200
· WVU Division of Student Life – (304) 293-5811
Health, safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at safety.wvu.edu and are also available at police.wvu.edu.
Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafety and @WVUalert on X, formerly known as Twitter.
A Community Notice is part of the University’s three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.
-WVU-
ak/04/23/24
MEDIA CONTACT: April Kaull
Executive Director of Communications
WVU University Relations
304-293-3990; akaull@mail.wvu.edu
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.