Bears spotted behind Chesapeake homes

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - Wild Duck Xing in Chesapeake could change its name to Wild Bear Xing these days. Black bear sightings are becoming a common site in the Jolliff Woods community.

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries says black bears are shy and easily frightened, but one of the bear cubs emerged from the woods while a WAVY News crew was at the home Friday afternoon. The animal appeared to limp as it walked across the yards. It retreated back to the woods when one of the neighbors started making loud noises to scare it.

A 10 On Your Side crew came within 20 feet or so of a baby bear in the Joliff Woods neighborhood Friday afternoon.

Eddie Hill, who lives in the neighborhood told us the bears bother some, but not him.

"My bird feeders are up close to the house so I'm not having a problem with them (bears), they don't come up to the house too close," Hill said.

That's what Hill thought anyway, until he took us to the backyard.  "Lord have I got egg on my face," he exclaimed when he noticed that one of his two bird feeders was missing. The trail of seed from the house to the woods was a sure sign that the bears had been there. Then, as if on cue, Hill spotted the baby in his neighbor's backyard.

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries says black bears are shy and easily frightened, but our crew watched that particular bear, who appeared to be injured, limp right right up to the house.

The woman who lives there started to clap and bang on the side of a shed.  The noise made the bear run, but not too far and not for long.  He came back a few minutes later.

"I just don't know what to do, I just know its a concern with children getting out of school in the next couple months," she told WAVY.com  She didn't want to show her face because she's afraid she won't get to adopt her new dog if the current owner sees there's a bear in her backyard, but she's more afraid that the advice from game warden isn't working. 

"We banged on pots and pans for 20 minutes and the bear just sat there and looked at us," she said.

10 On Your Side discovered neighbors aren't obeying all the rules though.   Bird feeders, grills and garbage cans attract bears, and we were told some actually put out food for the animals.  That's against the law.

Experts say its an invitation to dine, so don't be surprised when your guests arrive.

The government has more tips on how to, as they say, co-exists with them on the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website.