The West Virginia University Police Department issued a Community Notice on Monday (June 16) advising caution after at least one black bear was reported near the Personal Rapid Transit or PRT Central Maintenance Facility at 99 8th Street.
Officers responded quickly to the area, but were not able to locate a bear or bears.
If you encounter a bear, call 911.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reports black bears are seldom aggressive and attacks are rare.
However, the DNR offers the following safety tips:
• If you see a bear before it notices you, stand still and don’t approach the bear. 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.
Download the LiveSafe app for direct, two-way communications with UPD.
Additional Resources:
• WVU Police Department — 911, 304-293-2677, 304-293-3136
• WVU CARE Team
• WVU Carruth Center — 304-293-4431
• WVU Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance— 304-293-5600
• WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities — 304-293-8111
• WVU Faculty-Staff Assistance Program — 304-293-5590
• 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 police.wvu.edu.
Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafety on X, and download the LiveSafe app and allow push notifications for the latest safety information.
A Community Notice is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.
-WVU-
sj/6/16/25
MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; sjohns13@mail.wvu.edu
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.