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Gaithersburg, MD is a beautiful place to live, work, and raise a family. But it's also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears. While black bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans, it's always a good idea to be prepared if you do see one.
Bears can travel up to 10 miles a day! So if there is a bear spotted in one area of the county in the morning- by afternoon they can be in other areas further away. Bears have been recently spotted at the Naval Support Activity Bethesda Base by Walter Reed Medical Center, plus two sightings last week in Kensington and Chevy Chase, and in the areas of Woodley Gardens and Great Falls Road.
Here are some tips on what to do if you see a bear in Gaithersburg, MD:
* **Make yourself look big and make noise.** Bears are more likely to back down if they perceive you as a threat. Yell, wave your arms, and make yourself look as big as possible.
* **Do not run.** Running will only trigger the bear's chase instinct.
* **Back away slowly and calmly.** If the bear does not back down, slowly back away from it. Do not turn your back on the bear.
* **Do not approach the bear.** Bears are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Never approach a bear, even if it appears to be tame.
* **Do not feed the bear.** Feeding bears is illegal and can make them more aggressive.
* **If you are with children, keep them close to you.** Children are more likely to be curious about bears and may not understand the danger.
* **If you are hiking with a dog, keep it on a leash.** Dogs can trigger a bear's chase instinct.
* **If you see a bear in your home or yard, do not approach it.** Call animal control immediately.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the bears of Gaithersburg, MD.
**Here are some additional tips to help you stay safe around bears:**
* Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you know where you are and what is around you.
* Make noise when you are hiking or camping. This will help to alert bears to your presence and give them a chance to avoid you.
* Store food in bear-proof containers. Bears are attracted to food, so it is important to store it in a way that they cannot access it.
* Clean up your areas thoroughly. Bears are attracted to food scraps, so it is important to clean up areas where you have eaten food.
* Do not leave trash behind. Bears are attracted to trash, so it is important to place trash in a secure container and lock the tops.
* Be respectful of bears. Bears are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Never approach a bear, even if it appears to be tame.
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and bears safe. If you see a bear in your Gaithersburg neighborhood, please call (301) 258-6343.
