Early Wednesday morning, a black bear was spotted in a tree outside the old courthouse in downtown Vicksburg. While this sighting may seem unusual, authorities are reminding residents that a bear is a wild animal, and under no circumstances should anyone attempt to approach or feed it.
Residents are advised to take precautions by securing their trashcans and removing any leftover food containers or food wrappers from their vehicles. Bears have an acute sense of smell and can be attracted to any accessible food or garbage.
For the safety of the community and pets, residents are urged to avoid the downtown area near the old courthouse. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has been notified and recommends leaving the bear alone, allowing it to leave the area on its own without human interference.
Local law enforcement officers are currently patrolling the area to inform pedestrians of the situation. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, stay indoors if in the vicinity, and ensure pets are secure.
