Wildlife Alert: Black Bear Reported near E. Moore Street; Southport

NC Wildlife and Southport Police say there is no danger; BearWise safety steps shared with residents.

SOUTHPORT, NC — A black bear was spotted early this morning in the area of East Moore Street near Stuart Avenue, according to Southport Police Chief Todd Coring. Officers checked the neighborhood and confirmed there is no threat or danger to the public at this time.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s BearWise Program provided guidance to help residents reduce attractants and avoid future encounters. Bears are active this time of year and may move through neighborhoods in search of easy food sources.

Key BearWise Tips for Homes & Neighborhoods
• Never feed or approach bears. Allowing bears to find food near homes teaches them to return.
• Secure garbage, recycling and food waste. Store bins inside a sturdy building when possible.
• Remove bird feeders during active bear season. Birdseed is high‑calorie and a major attractant.
• Feed pets indoors. If feeding outside, offer single portions and remove bowls immediately.
• Clean and store grills. Remove grease and food residue after each use and keep grills secured.
• Alert neighbors to bear activity. Sharing information helps the entire community stay safe.

Protecting Yards, Gardens & Outbuildings
• Pick up fallen fruit daily and avoid planting ornamental fruit‑bearing trees and shrubs.
• Use electric fencing around gardens, beehives, berry bushes, and chicken coops.
• Keep doors and windows to homes, sheds and garages closed and locked — especially at night.
• Do not store coolers, pet food, birdseed, or trash on porches, decks or in vehicles.
• Block crawl spaces and openings under buildings before hibernation season.
• Keep outdoor refrigerators and freezers inside locked structures.
• Lock pet doors overnight.

For Farms, Chickens & Livestock
• Protect animals, newborns, and feed with bear‑resistant enclosures or electric fencing.
• Do not bury dead animals near homes or livestock areas, as bears may dig them up.

Other Unexpected Attractants
Residents should be aware that pools, hot tubs, ponds, dense vegetation, and natural food sources like acorns and berries can draw curious bears.

Chief Coring emphasized that the bear observed this morning was simply moving through the area and displayed no aggressive behavior. “There is no danger to the public,” he said, adding that residents should follow BearWise practices to keep both people and wildlife safe.

For more information on living safely in bear country, visit BearWise.org or contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

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