Bear Sightings in Rockville and Bethesda

File photo

A black bear was spotted in Montgomery County last night at 6 p.m. at Wootton Parkway and Tower Oaks Boulevard, according to an official at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“We are getting consistent sightings,” said Ken D’Loughy, a regional manager for DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service.

According to D’Loughy, the bear has been spotted on Montrose Road, Wootton Parkway and south to Tuckerman Lane.

He said the bear has been reported hanging around the city limits of Rockville and appears to be following the Cabin John Creek drainage area.

Another report of the bear was called in to police on July 23 at 2:45 p.m. south of Tuckerman Lane.

“A lot of people see it as they are driving,” said D’Loughy.

He said bear sightings in July and even August are not unususal. “Our approach is to give it space,” said D’Loughy.

Just last month, DNR was called to the campus of NIH where a black bear had climbed a tree.

About Sonya Burke

Sonya Burke is the Multimedia Manager at Montgomery Community Media (MCM). You can email story ideas at sburke@mymcmedia.org or reach her on Twitter @SonyaNBurke.

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