Bear sightings shake Fruitport Twp. residents
Tue, May 6, 2008
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FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP Some residents are uneasy about a new neighbor that's moved into their community a black bear.
"We went out there and sure enough there was a bear sitting right in the front yard there," said Jason Kern, who videotaped the animal.
Several Fruitport Township residents called the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on Sunday and again Monday after spotting the bear.
"It's kind of neat to see a bear, but there are a lot of little kids around here," said resident Greg Hulka.
A DNR spokesperson said the bear is probably a young male pushed away by an older territorial bear in the pack. The DNR also said the sighting is not unusual in the spring when bears come out looking for food.
"It's been going through the garbage cans and stuff," Hulka said. "Let's hope it doesn't get hungry enough where it will come after a kid."
According to the DNR, the bear is not likely to attack, but people should keep a distance.
State officials said Muskegon County residents may see more bears in the future as the Michigan black bear population continues moving south from Northern Michigan.
WZZM-TV report