Gainesville bear sighting: How to keep bears away

A black bear was sighted near the Heritage Hunt golf course in Gainesville, Virginia. Residents are advised to keep their pets inside.

Bears may wander into residential areas because of the smell of food around homes from bird feeders, garbage, pet food, and grills.

Keep your trash secured and put your trash out the morning of the pickup, not the night before. Remove bird feeders from April to November.

If you see a bear, keep your distance, the bear should move on quickly. Never run from a bear.

Call the Wildlife Conflict Helpline at (855) 571-9003 if you are still experiencing a bear problem after taking necessary steps of prevention.