LENOIR, N.C. — A black bear has been spotted in several places near downtown Lenoir.
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Wildlife officers believe it is a male bear that weighs about 125 pounds and is trying to find a place to live.
It was last spotted Thursday afternoon going into a ravine near Unity Park and Community Gardens where they grow everything from blueberries to tomatoes.
Channel 9 found volunteers and master gardeners hard at work Friday morning who said they're aware of the bear sightings and ready to get out of its way if it shows up.
"We just keep our eyes open and, you know, stay away from it and stay safe," said gardener Ellen Roberts.
Firefighters and the Lenoir News Topic shared photos of the black bear after it had traveled down a portion of Harper Avenue and College Avenue.
Officials told Channel 9's Dave Faherty the bear went over several fences like they weren’t even there
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Over the last day, the bear traveled several miles through Lenoir.
Officials hope it's out of city limits by now, but if not, wildlife officers said if you see it, the best advice is to leave it alone.
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