A local black bear has awoke from hibernation and found its way downtown.
Known as ursus americanus in taxonomy, the furry four legged berry hunter was spotted last week in a residential neighborhood west of Ravine Regional Park.
Cottage Grove Public Safety shared more in a post to social media:
Cottage Grove Public Safety has received a couple reports of a black bear sighing in the 9400 block of Jeffery.
While this might be an unusual sight, please remember:
Do not approach or attempt to interact with the bear
Keep a close eye on children and pets
Give the bear plenty of space
Bears typically move along on their own, and we expect it will return to a more natural area soon.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep both our community and local wildlife safe.