Officials: Bear spotted in wooded area near Mississippi businesses should be left alone – Magnolia State Live

Authorities say a bear spotted in a wooded area near several Mississippi businesses should be left alone and allowed to return to less populated areas along the Mississippi River.

Officials from the Natchez Police Department, Adams County Sheriff's Office and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks tracked a bear Monday along John R. Junkin Drive in Natchez.

ACSO MP Karen Ewing reported on social media around 3:15 p.m. Monday that the bear had not been captured and appeared to be resting in a small nearby wooded area.

“At the moment it appears to be resting in a small wooded area. He was traumatized by all the chases and blue lights,” Ewing said.

Ewing said Wildlife, Fish and Parks officials have asked law enforcement to stand down for the moment and let the bear rest.

“I worked with animal control and wildlife and fisheries. Wildlife and Fisheries would like the public to be informed. If you leave him alone, he will find his way to the woods or back to the river,” she said. “Stay away from him. If you spot him, call Wildlife and Fisheries and they will try to monitor his movements.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is 601-432-2400. After hours, please call and report any bear sightings to 9-1-1.

“No, you can’t throw it. No, you can't shoot him. Leave him alone,” Ewing said. “It turns out he was spotted. He is tall and handsome, but he is still young.