Officials have confirmed sightings of black bears in Ohio Valley communities in both West Virginia and Ohio.
Residents have reported seeing bears in Shadyside, Ohio, and in the Narrows area of Marshall County, West Virginia.
Marshall County Animal Control is actively monitoring the Narrows for the black bear and is prepared to slow traffic if the bear ventures onto Route 2 or into McMechen.
The Animal Control officials have stated that they will not harm the bears. They advise residents not to approach the bears but to contact Animal Control immediately if they see one.
While it is unclear if there is more than one bear, officials hope the bears will not cause any disturbances and will return to the woods on their own.
In 2023, black bears were also spotted in the Glen Dale Heights area. At that time, Marshall County Animal Control released a list of facts about black bears, which can be seen below.
For any bear sightings, contact Marshall County Animal Control at 304-843-1640.
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
