Bear sightings prompting concern in Prince William County

Bear sightings are rampant in Northern Virginia.  Residents say the sightings are prompting area schools to cancel activities and more.

FOX 5 saw several posts on neighborhood apps with videos of the bears including home video showing a bear in a Woodbridge culdesac.

The bear was seen at a home that backs into a wooded area, near a school and a neighborhood filled with children.

Another home video shows a bear getting into a trash can in Manassas but that’s not the only community dealing with them.

A bear sighting Woodbridge neighborhood was caught on home video two days ago and there’s plenty more posted in Ring’s Neighbors app.

They’re fun to watch but no laughing matter.

Police say food is what’s attracting the bears and as long as they find food, they’ll likely return.

Police also say, if you see a bear and believe you’re in danger, call 911. 

Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries says this year the acorn crop is very poor so bears are currently moving quite a bit in search of food.

This could explain the increased sightings in our area.

Meanwhile, police urge residents to eliminate the food source — means removing and minimizing bird feeders, garbage and leftover food from outside.