Bull Shoals Police Chief Jim Kuchenbecker is warning area residents not to yield to the temptation to approach bears, after receiving an unverified report of a mother bear and her cub being spotted in the area of the Point Return Campground near Browns Beach.
Chief Kuchenbecker says a citizen reported the bear and its cub were also spotted on or near a rear deck of a private residence in the area.
He says while a mother bear and her cub(s) might make for a cute photograph or they appear to be harmless, law enforcement reminds everyone these are wild animals and should not be approached.
The mother bear will be naturally very protective of her cub. In addition, Kuchenbecker says do not feed bears, keep garbage cans covered and do not let pets out alone.
He says the best course of action is to leave bears alone. If bears are spotted in a residential area, notify local law enforcement or the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The Bull Shoals Police Department can be reached at 870-445-4775, the Marion County Sheriffs Office at 870-445-4236, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Hotline ta 800-440-1447 and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Dispatch Center at 800-482-9262.
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