Beware of Black Bear in the Neighborhood

Post date: May 29, 2021, 3:30 PM

Please be aware that over the past several weeks there have been multiple sightings of a Black Bear in our neighborhood. This bear has been seen at night in the yards of several of our residents living on the southern cul-de-sac of Barsky Court, but there have also been reports of sightings in other locations, such as the southern portion of Pohick Station Drive. A video taken by one of the Barsky Court residents is attached below.

The Fairfax County Game Warden has been notified about this bear, and confirmed that at this time of year, it is not unusual for bears to be seen at our location, which includes a large wooded parkland area running through our neighborhood.

Please note that black bears generally pose little threat to humans, their property or pets, and they are naturally shy animals and not known for aggressive behavior. If you do encounter this bear, please keep your distance and do not approach it. Respect its space. And please be mindful that it may be around when walking your dog at night.

Attached below is a factsheet put out by the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) on Living with Black Bears in Virginia. Additional information about black bears in Fairfax County can be found at the following link: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/wildlife/black-bear