Duke’s notoriously aggressive squirrels might have competition as the University’s most fearsome species—a black bear has been spotted on campus several times this week.
At 3:23 AM Monday, the bear was noticed near the intersection of Erwin Road and Fulton Street by a Duke University Police Department security officer, according to a Duke press release. The bear walked into the Durham VA Medical Center parking lot before crossing Erwin Road and heading for the woods.
Later Monday, the bear was seen near West Campus Chiller Plant #2, and on Tuesday it was spotted by the Center for Living.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s website notes that the black bear—North Carolina’s only bear species—is not a naturally aggressive animal. It is suggested that one should stay calm and slowly back away if a black bear is encountered.
Check out this video for more information on what to do if a Black Bear crosses you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ilzEmTii_vw
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